Alabama-based rock and rollers Rob Aldridge & The Proponents leaned into a two-part strategy for their upcoming second album Mind Over Manners: speak thoughtful truths and back them up with tasteful grooves. They dodged the dreaded sophomore-slump by a mile, delivering a twelve-song collection strong enough to break through into the ranks of fellow-Alabaman contemporaries like Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit or Alabama Shakes. Mind Over Manners will be out January 21, 2022. (Rob Aldridge & the Proponents, 2021)

The Props crafted a tune both effortlessly timeless in its feel and devastatingly timely with its message. Inspired directly by the Black Lives Matter movement, Aldridge describes “Mind Over Manners” as “a response to white people who dismiss the movement based on the riots and property damage.” Aldridge adds, “It’s essentially asking white people who feel this way, ‘If you’re being honest with yourself about the history of racism in this country, how can you blame them for rioting?’” Fans can hear “Mind Over Manners” now at this link and pre-order or pre-save the full album ahead of its January 21st release right here. JamBase premiered Rob Aldridge & the Proponents’ title track from their new album, Mind Over Manners. 

For a talented band that has paid its dues, the release of Mind Over Manners should be a triumph. And it is. But it is a bittersweet triumph. In April of 2021, Proponents bassist Stone Anderson died from an accidental drug overdose. His passing shook the North Alabama music scene and of course the band. For Aldridge, it has been especially tough. He and Anderson had been tight since they were little kids. Even now, Aldridge will sometimes catch himself reaching for the phone to text Stone a new music idea or just a funny thought. As the finishing touches were being put on Mind Over Manners, Aldridge was haunted by the fact this was the last thing he had ever work with Stone on. Anderson’s death at age 27 was truly tragic, but the new album is a fitting final statement from a musician destined for bigger stages.

Mind Over Manners Track list:
Mind Over Manners
Poor Taste
Little Lou
This Time
Twisted Blanket
Beatlesque Nowhere
Want It More
Mean Grass
Explaining To Do
Devil On Sunday
Loneliest of Company
Ball of Yarn