Stateside lead guitarist/vocalist/songwriter John Paul Keith is a self-described fan of “three-minute songs with a hook that rock.”  That said, it is no coincidence that the foursome’s debut, Twice as Gone, is a 12-song example of how to get a point across with just three solid chords and a few good melodies.

The powerhouse lineup of Keith (co-founder of The V-Roys and front man for The Nevers), bassist Billy Mercer (Cranky), guitarist Adam Landry (Blue Moon Junction, Keith Gattis) and drummer Brad Pemberton (Iodine, Patty Griffin) has been playing around town under Keith’s name for about a year now.  They finally named themselves Stateside after recording a CD’s worth of old Nevers tunes that until now have only been heard live, along with a batch of new tracks.

Stateside adds a touch of Southern hospitality to their guitar-heavy British Invasion pop on songs like the catchy title track, “Gone For Good” and “Salt in the Wound”, while new tracks like “Long Way Down” just flat out rock.

Pedal steel whiz Bucky Baxter adds to the down-home feel, while Bare Jr. axe-man Kevin Teel, Judybats guitarist and former Never Paul Noe and alt-country wonder boy Ryan Adams (who shares Keith’s rhythm section for his backing ensemble, The Pink Hearts) make appearances as well.

Co-producer Chad Brown does a fine job of capturing the band’s powerful energy, but Stateside thrives in a live setting.  Their fast-paced set of three-minute songs comes highly recommended, but if you go, don’t forget to take the music home with you.