Led by vocalist/guitarist Rhett Miller, on American Primitive Old 97's embrace what he describes as a "de-evolution," tapping into a primal energy that courses through every riff and lyric. Despite a desire to mature and mellow, Miller found himself drawn to the raw, untamed essence of rock 'n' roll. "As much as I want us to calm down and grow up," he confesses, "the songs that felt right for this record were mostly big and loud and brutal and dirty." It's a sentiment that echoes throughout the record, as the band unleashes a torrent of raw emotion with blistering intensity.

With help from producer Tucker Martine, whose touch has graced albums by the Decemberists, My Morning Jacket, Mudhoney, and more, Old 97's dive headfirst into the chaos, embracing the glorious messiness of their sound. With appearances from Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Scott McCaughey of the Minus 5, the album rides along on a youthful spirit, drawing on the collective wisdom of the rocker's storied pasts.

But inside the chaos, there’s a method to the madness. Hidden underneath the rock 'n' roll madness of American Primitive is an earnest exploration of the human condition. From the anthemic swagger of "Big And Loud" to the introspection of "Dirty," each track offers a glimpse into the soul of a band unafraid to confront their demons head-on. As the album plays on, it becomes clear that Old 97's are more attuned than ever to the pulse of timeless rock 'n' roll. They ignore trends and fads in favor of a sound that is raw, authentic, and undeniably theirs. It's a bold statement from a band that refuses to be confined by expectations or conventions.