Rattlesnake Trail

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Rattlesnake Trail" by Smokey Fingers from their album Promised Land. This track is a standout, often praised for its gritty, Lynyrd Skynyrd-esque cowboy rock energy that transports listeners to dusty Southern highways. In a 2016 review by The Rockpit, the song was described as a "killer cowboy rock" anthem that makes you "believe the South will rise again," highlighting its infectious guitar riffs and soulful solo. The band has shared on their Facebook page that the song captures the raw, unpolished spirit of their live jam sessions, aiming to evoke the open road and rebellious freedom. Fans on the Smokey Fingers Fan Club Facebook group have echoed this, with one member recounting a 2017 Spain tour performance where the band extended the song’s solo, driving the crowd wild with its bluesy intensity.

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2017 Rock and Blog review, which noted "Rattlesnake Trail" as a quintessential Southern rock track with a rootsy, accessible vibe elevated by a standout guitar solo. The song’s recording process, as mentioned in a Grande Rock ezine article, involved minimal production to preserve its authentic, 1970s-inspired sound, a deliberate choice by producers Mario Percudani and Daniele Mandelli. On X, Smokey Fingers once posted about the track’s inspiration, hinting it was born from late-night jam sessions fueled by whiskey and tales of rambling adventurers, though they kept the specifics mysterious, inviting fans to interpret the lyrics themselves.

Smokey Fingers began their journey in Lodi, Italy, far from the American South they so vividly channel. Formed officially in 2008, the band’s roots trace back to 2006 when drummer Daniele Vacchini and guitarist Diego “Blef” Dragoni started jamming together, as detailed in their bio on SonicHits. Both had played in a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band called Double Trouble, which shaped their love for Southern rock. Joined by vocalist Gianluca “Luke” Paterniti and bassist Fabrizio Costa, the quartet honed their sound through years of live performances and compositional collaboration. Their early songs, including those that would later evolve into tracks like "Rattlesnake Trail," were rough sketches from these 2006 sessions. By 2009, they released a self-produced EP, followed by their debut album Columbus Way in 2011 under Tanzan Music, cementing their place in the European Southern rock scene.

The band’s chemistry, particularly between Dragoni and Paterniti, grew stronger with each gig, leading to the distinctive, whiskey-soaked sound heard in Promised Land. Their official website, tanzanmusic.com, showcases their discography and tour history, while their Instagram offers glimpses of behind-the-scenes moments and live shows. Fans can connect on the Smokey Fingers Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing concert photos and memorabilia. For the latest updates, follow their X account, where they occasionally drop hints about new music or tour dates. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up "Rattlesnake Trail" and let Smokey Fingers take you on a wild ride down that Southern road!