EMP Magazine Nov 2014 | Page 28

Small Town Band - Big City Sound Billy Pharoh Ramsey In almost any small town across the USA you can find a group of guys that like to get together, create great music, and have a heart for performing. But in town of Ragland Alabama there is a group of men that take this to a whole other level. The Shotgun Alliance consists of Tom Rankin (Vocals), Justin Hooks (Guitar), Steve Knight (Guitar), Paul Hooks (Bass), and Brandon Felton (Drums). In January Brandon answered a Craigslist ad for a drummer just as he was considering getting out of music completely. Their first single that I myself got a hold of was “Dark Messiah”. This song is an amalgamation of Classic Rock, Hard Rock, with some elements of Nu Metal, Hardcore, and Pop Punk all rolled into one orgasmic blend. It is a song that reaches not only the older audience members but also the young ones. play due to lack of males. He learned the song for his audition in a parking lot and nailed the audition. Unfortunately he never revealed if he ended up getting the girl. The Shotgun Alliance are an up and coming force to be recognized. For more information on TSA contact them through their facebook at www.facebook.com/ thesmokingshell. Be sure to show the locals some love on November 8th as The ShotAll of the guys have been gun Alliance performs at playing individually for years. Tom began his singing in a Dark Carnival Ink in a FamPaul, Justin, and Steve had most interesting way. While in ily Friendly concert. Bring been playing for a while toHigh School he was interested you lawn chairs and come gether when they approached in a girl who was in Drama out and enjoy local music at Tom about coming in to sing. and she asked him to be in the its best. ----Pharoh