Nearly two decades later, that old college try has paid off. Futurebirds have graduated from dive-bar band to a stacked résumé of five studio albums, a handful of EPs and nationwide tours—including a stop at Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre Dec. 13. 

Jumping straight into the scene after college, the band didn’t want to save their true ambitions for retirement. “Music beats trying to be an intern somewhere,” vocalist and guitarist Thomas Johnson told RM. “We’re just grateful for any amount of time we get to do this—it’s awesome.”

Futurebirds’ cosmic country-rock reeks of Southern roots—and loves a good metaphor. Think Drive-By Truckers-esque reverbed riffs fused with the hollering Houndmouth melodies—plus the occasional gut-punch lyric that launches your spleen straight into your throat. The rich, ambiguous sound translates seamlessly to a kinetic stage presence, with plenty of ops for hair-flipping and trucker-hat head-banging. 

Two decades of tracks don’t fit easily on one setlist, but the band makes it work—pulling songs from every Futurebirds era, from fan faves like “College Try” and “Trippin’” to deep cuts from when they first sprouted their wings. “We know a lot more about making music now,” reminisces vocalist and guitarist King. “But those songs are a snapshot of that time—and the great part about being a live band is reimaging.” If you’re down for a dive bar-meets-cosmic country kind of night, map your way to Lincoln Theatre. futurebirdsmusic.com; lincolntheatre.com