photo credit: Harrison Hudson

“Forever Worse Better is about wanting more out of life, love and existence in general,” Great Peacock singer, guitarist and primary songwriter Andrew Nelson says of his band’s third LP. It’s about being OK with your flaws and successes, for worse or better—accepting the fact that you’re married to yourself for the long run, so to speak.” The Nashville trio—which also includes harmony vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Blount Floyd and bass player Frank Keith IV—produced the album on their own. The results capture the uncertainty that’s plagued the country for the past four years. “We’ve all been in a dark place for a while,” Nelson says. “I watched a family member almost die and I’ve had some physical problems the last few years as well. I’m approaching middle age, health care isn’t affordable for most people and a dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to.” Nelson wrote the songs while working his day job, delivering food from farms to restaurants. “There’s a mental clarity that comes from driving long distances. You have to stay aware of what’s going on around you, so my mind’s sharper than it is when I pick up a guitar with the intent to write a song. When something good floats through the air, I can hear it and grasp it.” The band started as an acoustic folk trio, adding a drummer and other auxiliary players as they moved toward rock-and-roll. However, Nelson’s songwriting still maintains a folk edge and the spiritual aura he inherited from his family: “I grew up in a strict home. The only music allowed was Christian. It still affects me, even though I’m not a Christian anymore, except for the guilt. That’s why the lyrics have those Biblical references and phrases.” Great Peacock cut most of the album live at Nashville’s Sound Emporium, during two marathon 10-hour sessions. “We wanted every guitar lick to be like a classic-rock album—strong hooks, not many solos, verse, chorus, verse chorus and out. We stretch out when we play live; on a record, we want every note to hit you in the gut.”