Chicago Music Critic Hails “British Invasion of Country” with Emotional Pick of the Week

The winds of country music are shifting, and according to Chicago-based music expert Diana Cavazos Woloszyk, they’re blowing in from across the Atlantic. In her latest feature on the Ginger and Nuts Show, Diana spotlighted her “Single of the Week” — For You by British country trio Essex County — and declared it a heart-melting game-changer in the genre.

“This is the British invasion of country music,” Diana proclaimed. “And wow — what an invasion it is!”

Her introduction to the band came unexpectedly through a message on Instagram after her last review of artist Sean C. Kennedy. Essex County — comprised of brothers Nate, Mark, and Kieran Bass from Essex, England — sent over a few videos. The rest, she says, is history.

“When I finally had a chance to check out their music, to say I was blown away is an understatement,” she said.

A Lifetime of Talent

The trio, originally known as Next of Kin in the 1990s, boasts a deep musical pedigree. At just 11 years old, Mark was named the UK’s “Guitarist of the Year” by a panel including icons like Brian May, Steve Vai, and Eric Clapton. From early record deals and European tours to reaching the finals on X Factor UK, their journey has been anything but ordinary.

A major turning point came when the Bass brothers packed their bags for Nashville, the spiritual home of country music. Since then, they’ve graced legendary venues like the Raymond Theatre and celebrated major milestones, including a 2020 debut single, So Good, which topped the CMT video charts and racked up over two million streams.

Their 2022 self-titled EP cemented their place in the country scene, leading to sold-out festival and theatre performances back home in the UK.

An Unshakable Connection

But it was their song For You that sealed the deal for Diana. “Each lyric pulled on my heartstrings — it always made me cry,” she admitted during the show. “Everyone deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are. The Bass Brothers have beautiful harmonies that would melt anyone’s heart.”

Calling the band “pure, authentic, and blessed to work with the best in the biz,” Diana confessed she struggled to choose just one track. “I could’ve waited for their new music to drop, but honestly, there are some things in life you just can’t wait on.

What’s Next for Essex County?

With rumours of new music looming, Diana hinted at more to come and even teased a possible interview with the band on the show. “We definitely need to have them on as guests when they release their next single,” she told hosts Ginger and Nuts.

In the meantime, listeners are encouraged to check out Essex County on all digital platforms and follow them on social media:

📱 Instagram: @EssexCountyOfficial

📘 Facebook: @EssexCountyMusic

🌐 Website: EssexCountyUK.com