Not Leaving Sober: The Much-Anticipated Album “Almost Sober” Debuts…and It’s Quite A Party!
It’s been a few years since we were first introduced to the Asbury Park, NJ based country rock band Not Leaving Sober and since that time, there has been a lot of exciting happenings surrounding the band. For those who may not be familiar with this notable Monmouth County musical act, it’s time to take notice! We had the opportunity to catch up with founding members Nico “Neeks” Araco and James “Jimmy” Long and get the complete scoop!
Some of the highlights that have bestowed the band over the past few years include an invite in 2001 to perform at Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, NJ. The band received such a fantastic response from the throngs of country music lovers that gather for the annual event, that Not Leaving Sober have now performed at the festival for the past four years. Both Araco and Long believe that being asked to appear at the festival was yet another highlight and positive turning point in the band’s fortunes. Barefoot Country Music Fest has boasted such legendary acts as Kane Brown, Luke Bryan and Keith Urban, and the members of Not Leaving Sober were honored to appear in an event with the caliber of these titans of the country music genre, not once – but four times!
Now that you are caught up with Not Leaving Sober and the escapades that they have experienced recently, it’s time to look ahead at what the boys have got slated in their bright future.
Earlier this month, Not Leaving Sober proudly released their debut album of material titled “Almost Sober” which they have been writing and honing over that last couple of years. The album contains 17 tracks, including 5 brand new tunes!
For those of who have been fortunate enough to attend one of the band’s energetic live shows, some of the songs on this collection will be familiar party anthems that have put this outfit on the map. Songs like “Y’all Don’t Know”, “Beer Run”, “So Darling” and “Blow A Kiss To Jersey” have become consistent favorites in the band’s set. In addition to these tunes, Not Leaving Sober has added a whole bunch of brand new, rockin’ material that will surely get the crowd moving and singing along!
Prior to the album’s release we were fortunate enough to get a sneak peak of some of the tracks and were totally blown away by the collection that Not leaving Sober has managed to put together!
One of the tracks on the new album is titled ‘Rockstar’ which has a pounding rhythm that emotes visions of a freight train heading full speed down the track. Perhaps this metaphor best sums up the band’s no-holds-barred mentality and relentless drive to succeed in the music industry including traveling throughout the country to showcase their music to new audiences.
The band’s current schedule has them literally criss-crossing the country where they recently performed at the world-famous Moonshine Flats in San Diego, California. Despite their extensive travel over the past few years, Not Leaving Sober treasures the strong base of support that they have right here in Monmouth County. This ‘Jersey-boys’ mentality is evident in their album track titled “Home”.
The song “Home” starts off with a catchy acoustic guitar lick and has one of the more traditional country sounds on the album, complete with the band’s recognizable southern twang. The theme of the song is thoughtful, and the lyrics serve as an ode to their local fans as a “thank you” for their undying support and encouragement to drive ahead, as they reach to attain their musical goals.
“Different Kind of Country” has a fantastic Country Rock flavor and the lyrics highlight the fact that even though the band’s members all hail from the Jersey shore area, that does not preclude them from becoming bonafide country music stars! The band feels that the music scene, and the country music scene in particular, is thriving and growing in popularity throughout Monmouth County. Judging by the massive and enthusiastic crowds that Not Leaving Sober has been drawing to its live performances, we would absolutely agree with that sentiment!
The song simply titled “W” has a wildly creative and interesting bass line which provides a nice under current feel on which the rockin’ guitar work is layered. The song features great vocals, and a high energy level throughout but really picks up steam and culminates in an all-out jam session that builds in its vigor and will undoubtedly become an energetic show-stopping live track!
Overall, the entire album is an exciting grouping of fun, strong tracks which take the listener on a wild romp of musical excitement that will surely translate perfectly in a live concert setting.
After a whirlwind year of performances through the country, Not Leaving Sober will be returning to their roots and debuting the entire album live in Monmouth County! The band will be appearing at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ on Friday, December 13th. The show starts at 7pm and there are still limited tickets available so if you are fortunate enough to snag your spot at the show you are sure to be treated to a night of fantastic music with a stage show that is second-to-none! You can visit the band’s website to get info about all upcoming shows: www.notleavingsobercountry.com
The new album titled “Almost Sober” can be downloaded on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as most other popular streaming services. Be sure to check out this album and make it a point to treat yourself to a legendary Not Leaving Sober show! You will be dancing, drinking and singing along with the crew as they take you on a next-level country music journey that will leave you wanting more!
