“Bright Yellow Sun” is the latest standout addition to an extensive catalog of road anthems that immortalize the vast distances that define the Lone Star State.
“It’s born from the moment you leave everything familiar in the rearview mirror,” says West Texas Exiles singer/guitarist Daniel Davis, who wrote the track. “It begins just outside of Amarillo, where dusty streets and old memories fade behind the tailgate, every mile stretching further from the life you once knew. The sunlight is relentless, flooding the cab with gold, blinding and guiding you toward whatever lies ahead.”
West Texas Exiles know of what they sing. All five members grew up in Amarillo, El Paso and Lubbock, eventually congregating several hours away in Austin. There, founding members Marco Gutierrez and Trinidad Leal first came together 16 years ago in the Dirty River Boys, bonding over a mutual love of old-time rock ’n’ roll, punk, country, metal and Celtic rock. In the Exiles, Gutierrez shares songwriting duties with Davis and Colin Gilmore (son of iconic Texas troubadour Jimmie Dale Gilmore). Leal and Eric Harrison fill out the lineup on drums and bass, respectively.
For anyone lucky enough to see West Texas Exiles light it up at their weekly residency at Austin’s legendary Continental Club, it must be hard to believe that they’re just getting around to releasing a full-length debut. Available Friday, 8000 Days (Floating Mesa) approaches the core truths of band touchstones like Buddy Holly and the Flatlanders with fresh ears, and it’s stylistic reach, sonic finesse and accomplished songwriting measures up to contemporaries like Jason Isbell and Turnpike Troubadours. “Bright Yellow Sun” is one of many highlights—a thing of subdued, saturated beauty that’s more lullaby than anthem.
“It’s more than a drive,” says Davis. “It’s a quiet rebellion—a leap of faith into the unknown, fueled by hope, courage and the promise of a fresh start under a bright yellow sun.”
We’re proud to premiere West Texas Exiles’ “Bright Yellow Sun.”
—Hobart Rowland
See West Texas Exiles live.
