The Grouchy Gaijin's Thoughts on Music and Such

The Fourth LP from the Histrioniks Camouflage Baby.

The other day Larry Levy sent me a copy of his band's latest album.  The name of the record is Camouflage Baby.  It's their fourth album  and by far their best.  In a one sentence summary, they have finally gotten it right.

This album takes a few listens to get into, but once there it is infectious.  Think of The Byrds, fronted by Siouxie with Yo Yo Ma and Magic Dick sitting in.  I know that sounds schizophrenic but it really works.

The Histrioniks are all good players.  The guitars have a melodic neo-1960s sound that I like.  While Cat's vocals at times are sneering.  Add in rock solid drums and a bass that does its job and you have the makings of  very good, simple, rock and roll.  When you add Mark Wenner's smoking blues harp and Chad Parker's cello with Amy Shulkin's violin you have an outstanding album.

I really like ten of the eleven tracks on the album.  My personal favorites are:

1. The title track. I dig that harp!
2. My World is Empty without You – the guitar is really nice and I like the staggered drums.  I'm reminded of the Police.
3. Women Are – The bass is just so groovy while the drums and guitar play a laid back jam and Cat sneers.
4. Doghouse – I don't quite understand what the lyrics mean but I LOVE the back and fourth between the harp and violin. All the while the bass and drums lay down a fantastic groove.

Grouch rating 4 out of 5 scowls.

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