Drag the River is comprised of old-school punks, but they obviously have a penchant for the sad love of country-rock. Closed, the band’s second album, finds comfort in lost love with a shot of whiskey. From the twangy, rowdy rock fun of “Losin’ Everyone” and “Get Drunk” to the sweet and lonely dreams of “Forgiveness” and “Calloused Heart #2,” Drag the River numbs the pain with true honesty. They’re earnest and their country/blues mix plays off the romance of Uncle Tupelo. John Snodgrass and Chad Price are vocal kings, and together they crave a solace behind their weak musical hearts. Closed isn’t outstanding, but the band’s history makes for something enjoyable. Drag the River aims to revamp alt-country stylings into their own and it’s a decent effort. Uncle Tupelo started off the same way. – MacKenzie Wilson