Vandoliers
Schedule
Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 at 08:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
500 23rd Street South Birmingham AL 35233 | Birmingham, AL
WORKPLAY Presents:Vandoliers
7PM DOORS / 8PM SHOW / ALL AGES
Vandoliers’ fifth album, Life Behind Bars, marks a major milestone for the Texas country-punk
band, offering an intimate glimpse into frontwoman Jenni Rose’s personal journey. It’s their first
with Break Maiden Records, distributed by Thirty Tigers, and produced by Grammy-winner Ted
Hutt, known for working with The Gaslight Anthem and Flogging Molly. Recorded at Sonic
Ranch in West Texas, the album reflects raw emotion and vulnerability, focusing on Rose’s
struggles with addiction and gender dysphoria—a path that led her to come out as a trans woman
amid ongoing threats to trans rights.
Life Behind Bars is heavier and more introspective. Rose explains, “It’s heavier because I was
dealing with accepting my gender dysphoria and trying to stay sober.” Despite these themes,
Vandoliers’ signature energy remains intact, fueled by years of touring with acts like Flogging
Molly, the Toadies, and Old 97s. Their hits—“Every Saturday Night,” “Cigarettes in the Rain,”
“Sixteen Years,” and their cover of The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”—have built a
dedicated fanbase known for energetic live shows full of spontaneous dancing.
Rose’s self-discovery was sparked in 2023 when the band performed in dresses in Tennessee to
oppose a “drag ban” signed into law by the governor. Photos from the show went viral, earning
coverage from Rolling Stone and MSNBC. That moment shattered her internal barriers—“Fuck,
I think I’m trans”—and prompted months of reflection, even as she toured and made new music.
Initially, the band aimed to fund their next album independently. They launched a crowdfunding
campaign, “Together We Will Sink Or Swim,” to record at Sonic Ranch with Hutt. Rose became
more vulnerable in the studio, where Hutt’s editing helped her confront her truths. Songs like
“Dead Canary” and “Evergreen” expressed her struggles with dysphoria and identity, with lyrics
such as “I was running from my shadow/tried to hide it, but it followed,” exposing her inner
conflict.
While maintaining their energetic sound, the album also features intimate, confessional tracks.
The title song, “Life Behind Bars,” explores themes of personal imprisonment—initially inspired
by working in a band and prison, but now a metaphor for confinement—described by Rose as a
“girl in prison,” blending sharp melodies with societal reflections.
Other tracks highlight the band’s versatility. “You Can’t Party With The Lights On,” a honky-
tonk song with guest vocals, reflects self-awareness and feeling trapped. Political songs like
“Bible Belt” depict suburban isolation, while “Thoughts and Prayers,” inspired by Graves’
childhood witnessing gun violence, confronts America’s normalization of violence.
Despite heavy themes, Vandoliers embody their fearless, fun spirit. Rose states, “We’ve been
breaking rules in country for 10 years,” emphasizing their dedication to making boundary-
pushing music that inspires others. Life Behind Bars is an honest, powerful reflection of personal
and societal struggles, crafted with energy and resilience.
Where is it happening?
500 23rd Street South Birmingham AL 35233, 500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233-2323, United States
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