Margaritas and Cocaine

The song "Margaritas and Cocaine" by The Rhyolite Sound from their album Mojave Gold is a high-energy, honky-tonk anthem that captures the gritty, rebellious spirit of the Las Vegas-based band. One piece of trivia about the song is its debut on WKTY Sports radio on October 28, 2019, during a segment themed around drinking songs, tying into the anniversary of the Volstead Act. The track’s raw, unapologetic lyrics and twangy guitar riffs made it a perfect fit for the show’s vibe, resonating with listeners who crave hard-hitting country music. The song’s title leaves little to the imagination, with its themes of bad decisions and wild nights, which, as noted in a Saving Country Music review, are delivered with a “pounding bass drum” and “cranked amps,” pushing the boundaries of country into Southern rock territory.

Another interesting tidbit comes from fan reactions shared online, particularly in comments on music blogs. One listener humorously remarked that after hearing Mojave Gold, all they wanted were “margaritas, cocaine, cheap women, and beer,” showcasing the song’s ability to evoke a rowdy, carefree mindset. The track’s infectious energy also caught attention at the 2019 Ameripolitan Awards in Memphis, where The Rhyolite Sound performed, leaving an impression on attendees who noted the song’s danceable, “tanzbein”-tickling quality, as mentioned in a German review on Sounds of South. The song’s placement as the second track on Mojave Gold sets the tone for the album’s desert-drenched, outlaw country aesthetic, with its guitar work described as “exceptional” by Trex Roads.

The Rhyolite Sound formed in 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, drawing inspiration from the Mojave Desert’s rugged landscape and the city’s seedy underbelly. The band, consisting of Larry Reha (guitar, vocals), Erik Alesi (acoustic guitar, vocals), James Caselton (lead guitar), Jason Aragon (bass), and AJ Palluck (drums), honed their craft in the dive bars and casino lounges of Sin City. Their sound, a blend of hard honky-tonk, outlaw country, and Southern rock, reflects the influence of artists like Whitey Morgan and Jackson Taylor, as well as the Bakersfield sound. The group’s name pays homage to Rhyolite, a ghost town and volcanic rock found near Las Vegas, symbolizing their connection to the region’s history and geography. Their debut album, Desert Honky Tonk (2017), laid the groundwork for their sophomore release, Mojave Gold (2019), which was self-produced with Ronald Corso at 11th Street Records and released via Whiskey Preachin’ Records.

The band’s rise was marked by local and industry recognition, including being voted Best Vegas Band in 2018 and 2019 by Las Vegas Weekly and earning nominations for Metropolitan Honky Tonk Artist of the Year (2018) and Ameripolitan Outlaw Country Artist of the Year (2019). Guitarist and vocalist Larry Reha has spoken about the band’s identity, saying, “We’ve really based our entire identity around the fact that our home base is the Mojave Desert,” emphasizing their goal to put Southern Nevada on the country music map. Their music, described as “whiskey-soaked and hard-twanging” by Whiskey Preachin’ Records, resonates with fans who appreciate their authentic, no-nonsense approach to storytelling through song.

For those looking to connect with The Rhyolite Sound, their official website is therhyolitesound.com. You can follow them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on performances and new releases. Fans can also join the community on the Rhyolite Sound Facebook Group, a space where “Zoo Freaks” and other enthusiasts share their love for the band’s music, post about live shows, and discuss tracks like “Margaritas and Cocaine.” While no dedicated fan websites were found, the band’s presence on platforms like Whiskey Preachin’ Records and music blogs offers plenty of ways to dive deeper into their desert honky-tonk world.