Necktie Social was formed by vocalist Dusty Owen and guitarist Joey Torres, with drummer Corey Davis joining shortly after. The band came together fully in early 2022 with the addition of bassist Jacob Veal. Their music blends a fresh, modern edge with the energy of classic rock and blues, creating a sound that’s both powerful and engaging. Their album “Red Wine Haze,” released in January of 2025, showcases their dynamic style and leaves a lasting impression.
As the album’s opening track, “Devil’s Backbone” kicks things off with a rugged country twang and a gritty sense of place. Dusty Owen’s vocals come in strong and confident, setting the tone with the line: “I was born in the devil’s backbone / man on the run they cast their stones.” It’s a bold start, steeped in outlaw imagery and driven by a sound that feels both grounded and defiant.
With a steady rhythm and a catchy, recurring guitar riff, “Lost My Soul in Georgia” leans deeper into that twangy country-rock territory. The lyrics are sharp and emotive: “I’m chasing whisky / and the bottle’s gonna lose,” and “I’m a broken record stuck on your last words,” painting a picture of heartbreak and restless wandering. Female backup vocals add depth to the choruses, harmonizing with the lead in a way that elevates the emotional weight. A standout guitar solo near the end seals the track’s slow-burning impact. “Lost my soul in Georgia / found it up in Tennessee” leaves you with a sense of searching and unexpected redemption.
“Red Wine Haze” switches gears with an unapologetic ‘80s rock energy. It’s the kind of track that begs to be cranked up on a highway drive, all windows down. With lyrics like “Drivin’ down 40 just lookin’ for love” and “She’s an angel but she loves the hell out of me,” it perfectly walks the line between romantic and reckless. The wailing guitar solo that closes the track is pure, unfiltered attitude, making this one a high-energy highlight of the album.
The next song on the album, “Walk On Water,” has an intense driving rhythm and the unmistakable edge of classic rock. There’s a powerful, almost anthemic quality to the track, with roaring guitar lines and gritty vocals that channel a Metallica-esque energy. It’s bold, it’s relentless, and it sets a high bar with its intensity. With a vibe reminiscent of early 2000s Incubus, “Till The Knife Drops” rides on rolling, intricate drum work that immediately stands out – no seriously, the drummer shines here. The track builds tension throughout, slows down near the end to give you a breath, and then surges back with even more power that makes for a dramatic finish.
Closing out the album, “Hello Or Goodbye” brings everything full circle with soulful vocal performance combined with classic rock elements. The guitar is especially interesting and the drums flow perfectly, creating a sound that’s incredibly expressive. At moments, it even leans into a Van Halen-esque flair, giving the finale a nostalgic yet fresh kick. It’s a strong and emotional sendoff that leaves a lasting impression.
Written by Alexis Gerbie
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