Every year as I make the pilgrimage to Nashville for the Americana Music Association’s annual Festival and Conference, there is always one band out of the hundreds performing official showcases that I am most excited to see.

Sometimes they disappoint, more often they don’t, and once in a while they end up being one of the highlights of the entire weekend.

The Defibulators were that band for me this year, and this seven-member band from Brooklyn went far above and beyond my expectations to be one of the best shows I saw over the amazing four days.

The band, fronted by vocalist Erin Bru and banjo/guitarist/vocalist Bug Jennings, hails from Brooklyn, travels the country in a 1977 Dodge ambulance, and makes music that would be equally at home at CBGB’s or The Grand Ole Opry. Their debut album, “Corn Money,” is testament to that, and is one of the most fun albums I’ve heard this year.

In addition to Erin and Bug, the band is comprised of Mike Riddleberger on drums, Freddy Epps on upright bass, Metalbelly on washboard and percussion, Roadblock on guitar, and Smitty the Giant Fiddler.

The Defibulators are not afraid to inject their quirky sense of humor in their songs, as evidenced in tunes such as “Honey You Had Me Fooled,” “Go-Go Truck,” and their namesake tune “Defibulator.” But the humor is not limited to lyrics, these guys are hilarious live. Erin Bru has a loveable deadpan quality to her delivery, and coupled with her equally delicate and powerful voice, is a delight.

Bug Jennings takes on the role of the leader whose control is fleeting and sporadic, which adds to the general mayhem and excitement of the show. Add to this the fact that these guys can really play their instruments and you’ve got one helluva good time. Not only that, but you can have fun with the Defibulators Coloring Book while you listen to their album, available at their website, thedefibulators.com.

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