“Never Seen Tennessee” by pez delivers a summer singalong

“Never Seen Tennessee” by pez is a self-produced dose of sunshine that mixes road-trip-ready rock energy with the easygoing smoothness of modern country. One rotation and you’ll feel the warming beneath your feet. “Never Seen Tennessee” feels like it was brewed up on some back porch out in the wilds of Nashville. pez adds an intriguing twist to the genre, he doesn’t hail from the American South, but from the heart of Germany. That world view lends his storytelling a fresh layer of perspective.

He’s an answer to the criticism that country music is not for anyone beyond the small towns from which many artists come, but rather about what you feel. Tethered by an irresistibly infectious chorus that you’ll be singing along to by the second time through, the song cruises between propulsive guitars, rhythms, and that elusive, feel-good vibe that transforms a summertime rock song into a memory. It’s the kind of track that fills you with the desire to roll the windows down, toss your phone into the glove box, and follow the horizon, and if you’ve never been to Tennessee, it makes you wish that you had. What’s more impressive is that pez is single handedly doing it.

He is fully independent and 100 percent self-produced, carving out his course with old-fashioned authenticity and heart. No matter if you’re compiling a country mix, getting in the vibe of your next road trip, or in need of a fresh tune to brighten your day, “Never Seen Tennessee” is essential. pez may not have made it across state lines into Tennessee yet, but as far as this track’s concerned, he’s crossing borders and playlists everywhere. Turn it up, let the chorus take the reins, and take the name down, pez. He isn’t riding the country wave as much as he is making it.