The old adage “too rock for country and too country for rock” used to be the death knell for any band straddling the sanctified lines of these genres. Lafayette’s Doublewide is definitely both, as evidenced by an eponymously titled sophomore double-disc effort that’s one volume of country and one volume of cranked-up, metal-head rock. Lead guitarist Justin Lewis has no shortage of killer twangy licks and could conceivably be a hired gun in Nashville if he desired. But he’s also adept at heavier rock textures, as evidenced by the epic “Alabaster Blue,” where he has ample time and space to develop an awe-inspiring, searing solo. Songsmith Matthew Thornton’s whiskey-and-cigarette pipes may take a little getting used to but seem perfect for Doublewide’s brand of rock and suitable for its outlaw-ish country.

Of the two discs, the country platter is more lighthearted, with songs about derelicts, cows and fishing. “Jukebox” and “Downtown” are custom-made for barroom sing-alongs. The latter is particularly interesting since structurally, it’s a bi-chorus song. Other tracks, like “Back to Life,” are more introspective in nature as Thornton reaches deeper into the well.

There’s a little levity on the rock disc such as with the Chuck Berry-esque “Murdo,” the throttlin’ car-racing “Derby” and the satirical “Lowdown Man.” Though texturally it’s darker, Thornton gets deep with his writing here too, channeling inner feelings and experiences so it’s not just a bunch of senseless headbanging for black-clad, tattooed, nose-pierced rockers. An unlikely combination that succeeds on its own terms.