Rooted deeply in the southern United States, Whiteside’s Daughter is the brainchild of musician and English professor, Steve Deaton. Drawing from a wide range of influences—including 70’s prog, Scandinavian metal, Southern rock, the Who, and the Southern Gothic literary tradition—the band’s debut, The Life You Save, is a full-length concept album about the gay son of a Pentecostal preacher. About the album Deaton remarks, “Nothing shows the gross absurdities and dark taboos of Southern Gothic better than hellfire revival preaching,” and he considers the album “a not-so-subtle commentary on the horrible doctrine of eternal damnation.” Joined by fellow Mississippians, vocalist Stephen Poff and drummer Brian Hughley, Deaton handles guitar, bass, keys, and some vocals. These three musicians have a broad background of musical experience—everything from college math rock to power pop to alt-country—and this informs the eclectic musical blend that surfaces in the band’s debut. They have been described as Southern Gothic Heavy Prog—“Sabbath and Crimson meet Molly Hatchet and William Faulkner”