August 07, 2010

The Nashville siblings who make up the Band Perry—Reid, Neil and Kimberly Perry—are on the verge of stardom thanks to their poignant, and mildly controversial, new single. An acoustic guitar, banjo and fiddle set the foundation for "If I Die Young," as Kimberly's fearless vocal is colored by harmonies from her brothers that should attract Lady Antebellum fans. As the band sings about "the sharp knife of a short life," Kimberly's lyrics express wonderment with an undertone of dark humor: "And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singin'/Funny when you're dead how people start listenin'." "If I Die Young" follows the Band Perry's first offering, "Hip to My Heart," which reached No. 20 on Hot Country Songs. Both songs are from the group's eponymous debut, due Oct. 5. —Michael Menachem

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