a confident, character rich album where time, patience, and a great band, met in style

the unreasonables feels like a record that has waited for the right moment.these songs have history in them, written years ago, carried forward quietly, and now finally given the space to breathe and come alive in full colour.

based between texas roots and the pacific northwest, rusty reid has spent years writing, recording, and refining his craft, building a catalogue shaped by classic pop, rock, and americana instincts. there is a sense of long-earned confidence here, not flashy or rushed, but grounded in experience and trust in the song.

written and recorded across a restless stretch of late 70s and early 80s Houston, these songs began life without a plan for longevity. They were captured quickly, often live, shaped by shifting band line-ups, limited resources, and the urgency of musicians chasing a sound they could feel but not quite hold. At the time, they were meant as stepping stones, demos for a future that never arrived. Years later, revisited with fresh ears and care, they reveal something deeper that’s incredibly enjoyable to delve into.

the absolute pick of the bunch is “let’s just talk”, which anchors the record beautifully. jangling guitars, locked in rhythm, and a vocal that knows exactly when to lean in give it that unmistakable elvis costello and fab four energy. it is smart, conversational, and slightly wry.

“attitude change” is a personal favourite. a real driving belter of a tune, built for long stretches of road and creeping volume knobs. it is quirky and full of character, moving with an easy confidence that feels completely earned. there is joy in how relaxed it sounds, like a band trusting the groove and letting the song carry itself.

then “hurricane” kicks things up another gear. it opens with a fun, instantly likeable guitar riff before exploding into another full blown rusty banger. everything snaps into place, drums pushing hard, guitars bright and alive, chorus landing clean and strong. it is energetic, playful, and impossible not to picture on a stage in front of a packed room.

across the album, these older songs feel renewed rather than revisited. arrangements stretch, backing vocals drift in at just the right moments, and nothing feels boxed in. you can hear a band enjoying the process, letting imperfections add character rather than sanding them down.

by the end, there’s a slight feeling of regret that this band didn’t take things further. and i’m left wishing i’d seen these songs live when they were first finding their shape. you can hear how well they would translate, loud, loose, and full of connection.

the unreasonables is generous, confident, and a really fun listen. proof that when good songs are given time, care, and the right people around them, they do not age, they arrive. we love it.

thank u for making this rusty reid 🎸