The Allendales are Lincoln's proud purveyors of Americana and, as can be heard on "Low Morals and High Standards," they do it very, very well...a pedal steel sneaking out of the big-beat rock 'n' roll tunes. "Low Morals and High Standards," produced by Sean Beste, captures that sound and the band's alcohol-drenched spirit to perfection. It's one of the best local records I've heard this year, and one that's going to get plenty of spins on my players.--L. Kent Wolgamott--Lincoln Journal Star
Imagine the consequences of The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Wilco, Son Volt,
The Band, Social Distortion, and Steve Earle engaged in some kind of atomic orgy—with preternatural consequences—like the formation of an unfathomable super virus. Emboldened by raucous guitars, and layered with perfectly timed riffs and a driving rhythm section, it isn’t mere hyperbole to suggest The Allendales are capable wreaking destruction unlike anything seen by human eyes since the Bible was written. The Dales rely on solid songwriting and three and four part harmonies that bring their songs together tight and seamless moving almost effortlessly between country, pop, and punk to create a sound that isn’t exactly new but is definitely warped enough to fit their unique vision.
The back streets of Lincoln, Nebraska are not historically known for adding much to the artistic community. However, nestled between thoroughfares on the south of town there is a kind of pressure cooker that attracts a very uncommon mixture of the boldest and savviest of local artists. The Allendales take their name from the street where this cosmic intersection sits, where potential seems limitless and threatens to spontaneously burst into flames. Many of the finest creative minds in Lincoln spend their evenings on Allendale Drive in inspired intoxication, colliding into other patriots sailing under the “Weird Flag” and exploring the inexorable possibilities Allendale Drive has to offer. One such collision occurred in June of 2007. After just a few short months, The Allendales had already infected the locals, opening for national touring acts such as The Mike McClure Band, The Mighty Short Bus, and The Drams. Well-established local bands like Forty Twenty and Cornerstone Dub quickly caught on to what The Allendales were capable of, and they now rely heavily on The Allendales to work their crowds into rock-induced fits of ecstasy.
Ken Morton, aka Little Kenny Morton Pants , a locally known utility man, dependable in a pinch to rock about any rhythm instrument on the planet—armed with a handful of potential hits—decided that he had had enough of listening to—and playing in—bands that trampled his desire to write songs his way.
Shaun Sparks, aka Shaun the Loud, a local guru and bona fide singing sensation that splits his time between five dynamic projects on any given day, recognized—almost immediately—the insane, and possibly even lucrative opportunity to join forces with Morton—opting to take on lead guitar responsibilities and lend his voice to back-up duties.
Dave Duncan, aka Col. Sherbet, the psychic anchor and resident drummer of Allendale Drive, really had nothing better to do. During his stay in Lincoln, he has been a highly recruited and sought after drummer, though his services have rarely been used to the extent to which they are now—which is a testament to the vision of Morton and Sparks.
Darryl Rivers, aka Yacht Rock, sent this endeavor spinning uncontrollably over the top—a lock down bassist with a potent sensuality that makes most women bleed from their eyes, blends just the right amount low-end touch with high range falsetto—making this quartet a full-on rock ensemble with capabilities of serious harmonizing.
These days, The Allendales are benefitting from a successful courtship of Tim Konecky, a fine and upstanding member of the Lincoln community. By exerting pressure that time itself would envy, they have managed to buckle his calm demeanor and cool temperament, and—with hammer and anvil –they are beginning to shape this lad into a pedal steel player for the ages. They have given him the moniker Timmy Fireballs, and those close to Konecky have already begun to see the effects on his ego.
Indeed, it appears The Allendales are on the map and here to stay...and once their new album Low Morals and High Standards hits the streets of Lincoln, it is hard to believe that they’ll be just another local band much longer.
