The Whiskey Boys have undergone a transformation over the
past year, and it has really boded well for the group. Fleshing the outfit to
include 5 total members (guitar, bass, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin), the sound
is fuller, more powerful, and really grabs you by the head with two hands,
pulls you in close and screams “LISTEN!” right in your face. Singer, fiddler,
songwriter, and band leader David Delaney has truly found his voice in this new
line up. His voice is more confident and robust and he has matured deeply as a
songwriter and lyricist.
The arrangements on this record are very powerful and well
thought out throughout the 10 tracks (11 if you count the bonus track). I
really get hints of Punch Brothers here, and it’s not just the instrumentation.
There is truly some inspired musicianship and song structuring going on with
this new record. There is no “3 chord bluegrass progression number 1” here. Each
part of every song is artfully crafted and orchestrated. Sure, the boys have
that hint of bluegrass in the tunes and the instrument choices certainly
reflect that, but this is something special and different about this music.
“Burn my Earth” is the first track and it kicks in…it kicks
in hard…real hard. It just has a killer groove to the song. Delaney’s voice is
on point here, the band all sings out during the chorus line, it has a great,
great energy to it. The solo trade offs are incredible (especially that damn
banjo, man!), the fiddle playing is prime, all the pieces really just fit and
this tune sets the stage for the entire record to just be energized and hit you
intensely.
What does every good record need? Why, an instrumental tune
of course. “The Whiskey Stumble”,
written by guitar player Michael Warren (from what I understand). Really encompasses that feeling. I honestly feel like I am stumbling my way around a saloon in a haze of that brown liquor. There is also a collective ensemble of bar room banter and clinking glasses in the background throughout the track. All of the boys are tight on their musical performances on the instrumental, the turn around, rise, and resolution of the song is great. And the ambiance that this track manages to attain is really quite excellent.
written by guitar player Michael Warren (from what I understand). Really encompasses that feeling. I honestly feel like I am stumbling my way around a saloon in a haze of that brown liquor. There is also a collective ensemble of bar room banter and clinking glasses in the background throughout the track. All of the boys are tight on their musical performances on the instrumental, the turn around, rise, and resolution of the song is great. And the ambiance that this track manages to attain is really quite excellent.
The title track “Time Machine” is where the Punch Brothers comparison
comes in strong. The kick off is lead by a very jazzy influenced guitar. The
word phrasing isn’t typical and predictable, it’s distinct and exciting. A
really beautiful track that coaxes the listener along. The band firmly displays
their remarkable musicianship without being pretentious. It is a really great
track.
“2012” is an intensely instrospective and sincere track.
Delaney really airs out the laundry here and shares a lot of the past year for
better or worse. I think this song really is the basis for my feeling of his
maturing as a songwriter. I am thrilled to see that his writing has gotten so
deep and personal. As fun as previous released tracks like “Washington is
Coming” are to listen to, I don’t get that deep seeded emotion and personal sharing
level from them. I think being able to share something personal in a song is
the most intimate way you can share something with folks and I applaud Delaney
for this track.
If I’ve learned just one damn thing / If I’ve learned one thing in
this goddamned year
If I’ve learned anything at all / Staring darkly into
whiskeys and beers
Each member adds their own special touch to this group. Mark
Whitaker’s banjo playing is nothing short of pure brilliance, Delaney’s roll as
band leader is evident and he really pushes the band along (plus he is a killer
fiddle player). Guitarist Michael Warren’s jazz background fits tightly in with
the band as well, tasteful, but at times (where needed) he really can let loose
and let that rootsy feel shine through. Rhythm is held down tightly and the
foundation of these songs, ala bassist Jon Polit and the chop of the mandolin
courtesy of Jeff Butcher (though some really tasty mando licks are also prevalent
by Butcher throughout the work).
This is just the beginning for The Whiskey Boys as they
currently stand. I can say that I am sincerely excited for where the guys are
going next. This is truly a great and exciting project for these fellas.
Be sure to check them out at their CD release show later on
in October 19th at the Lizard Lounge. (Details below) and online at http://www.whiskeyboys.com/
Saturday 10/19 - "TIME MACHINE" CD RELEASE SHOW!
THE WHISKEY BOYS
with TRICKY BRITCHES
$15 advance / $15 at the door
8:30 doors / 9:30 show (Tricky Britches @ 9:15 / Whiskey Boys @ 10:30)
www.whiskeyboys.com
www.trickybritches.com
THE WHISKEY BOYS
with TRICKY BRITCHES
$15 advance / $15 at the door
8:30 doors / 9:30 show (Tricky Britches @ 9:15 / Whiskey Boys @ 10:30)
www.whiskeyboys.com
www.trickybritches.com
No comments:
Post a Comment