In 2001, the Derailers released Here Come the Derailers as an instant success and recommended top choice album.
Full Western Dress is the 1999 release by the Derailers. Rolling Stone said, "the hot Derailers, from Austin, Texas, are among the impassioned young upstarts who have picked up the honkytonk torch, writing and performing in the style of their mighty forebears."
New Country is similarly impressed with this group: "The Derailers have assimilated their influences so well, they're now instinctively writing with the same ear for nuances as their idols, but in a style that's wholly their own and never kitschy. This is . . . a labor of love."
The Derailers are Tony Villanueva on vocals and guitar, who writes many of their songs, Brian Hofeldt on vocals and guitars, another songwriter, Mark Horn on drums and Ed Adkins on basses. Well, shucks, these hot young stars write and perform original music in the best country tradition.
"Watermelon records hit the jackpot with The Derailers." the headlines screamed on the 1996 release of Jackpot. (Read the Publicity Article.) The Austin American Stateman put it this way, "While most critics are busy looking back on the year for their 'best of' lists, Watermelon Records has given them a good reason to look forward: the Derailers." Styled as traditional with a "kick," the dancers flock to their packed performances at the Continental Club and the Broken Spoke.
Music critic Todd A. Gracyk listed Reverb Deluxe as one of his favorite albums of 1997.
For one of their Houston gigs, the Houston.Sidewalk wrote, "The Derailers are so damn good, it is tempting to call them the best band in Texas.-
Formed in 1993 by Villanueva and co-leader Brian Hofeldt, The Derailers began working out their musical vision in the bars and dance halls around Austin. Eventually the pair hooked up with the rhythms of Vic Gerard on bass. The three took off from there and are now a favorite Austin sound.
