Jonesboro, AR–Change is good. For Zach Williams & The Reformation, that change came in the form of collaboration on their second album, A Southern Offering. Whereas vocalist Zach Williams wrote all of the music and lyrics on the band’s raucous debut, Electric Revival, Williams handled the lyrics for their sophomore effort while the band wrote the music. Produced by famed rock producer Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon, Stevie Wonder, Elton John) and recorded at Nashville’s legendary Black River Studios, A Southern Offering is due for digital release on April 20, with a hard copy release to follow.
“I’m excited about A Southern Offering,” Williams says, “Because you can hear the different influences of each band member — from Black Sabbath to Bad Company — and the subject matter is more mature.” Drawing comparisons to southern rock legends like the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet, the Arkansas-based ZWR has been blending rock & roll, R&B, soul and blues since forming in 2008 when Williams brought together some other young but veteran players from the local scene.
They recorded several tracks at Young Avenue Studios in nearby Memphis, TN, and the buzz started almost immediately, with record crowds showing up for their early gigs. ZWR’s following has continued to grow in the two years since releasing Electric Revival, with the band making U.S. tour stops in places like Illinois, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee while also touring abroad in Europe, and playing for the Armed Forces in Japan and Guam, a memorable and rewarding experience for the young rockers, whose sights are set even higher. “One of our biggest goals,” Williams says, “is to end up as a support act on a national tour.”
Working with Beamish on A Southern Offering proved to be a highlight for ZWR, and the band recorded most of the album live in just six days. As with their debut, Williams’ soulful vocals shine through on tracks like “Motels and Highways,” “Fools Moon” and “The Fix,” but the writing contributions from the other members make this a deeper and more robust effort. “This album was written as a band,” Williams says. “It was a total group effort.” For ZWR and its growing legion of fans, change is most definitely good.
For more information, please visit www.zwrnation.com
