2012 Texas Platters Finale/deEP end 1 by Doug Freeman, The Austin Chronicle Local quintet Mice & Rifles likewise return with a stellar offering after five years away from the studio. Third EP Lebe Wohl in Tejas picks up where the locals left off, raging roots guitars sliced by Kevin Brinkkoeter’s low, crackling vocals and bitingly critical lyrics, especially on “In God We Trust” and scorching “Allegiance.” The band’s still at its best when Brinkkoeter grits his imagistic emotionalism into more personal angst, as on “This Will Begin to Hurt” and “Grind My Teeth.” KUT Austin Music Minute by Laurie Gallardo I have distinct memories of bringing in my copy of Mice and Rifles’ 2006 EP All Kites Up to the station to play on late-night Friday air shifts (which the fabulous Audrey Morton hosts these days). It became quite clear that this was no ordinary indie-whatever band. Their EP created quite a stir for a number of reasons, namely for the band’s alt.-country ferocity. But there was also some undoubtedly potent songwriting to consider, not always for the easily-offended. Johnny Cash would’ve been proud. Cerebral, acerbic, compassionate, reflective, even political, each track was a challenge for the mind. In other words, outstanding. Their 2007 follow-up, Beginner’s Luck, as another attention-getter, and that year the band found itself invited to perform at C3′s Big State Festival in Bryan-College Station, alongside big-timers like Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett. You know. No big deal. However, despite the critical acclaim, the accolades, and what appeared to be more success looming on the horizon, the band decided to go on hiatus in 2009. Fans like myself were mystified. (I also made it rather clear to frontman/vocalist Kevin Brinkkoeter that the band was missed – because I can.) Thankfully, it was a brief break, and Mice and Rifles are back with Lebe Wohl In Tejas, another intense reminder of just how superb they are. songs:illinois : music blog by Craig Bonnell It was no surprise to see Son Volt (along with Johnny Cash, Lead Belly, Carter Family) listed as one of Mice and Rifles biggest influences. But it was also reassuring – reassuring that bands like Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo and even older country and blues acts like Jimmie Rodgers, Carter Family and Lead Belly are not being forgotten by the younger generation of (for lack of a better term) alt-country bands. Mice and Rifles is an Austin based band who made a splash in 2007/8 but then disbanded from 2009-2011. They are back with a new EP called Lebe Wohl In Tejas and they seem better than ever.