By Artist Riverboat Gamblers Underneath the Owl
Underneath the Owl
Friday, 10 April 2009 11:44 | 
Author: The Grouch | 
The Riverboat Gamblers are a group out of Denton, Texas. They have been together since 1997 and have a discography of eleven albums. That is an impressive number. I heard about them today, when GabeO the Mexican Biker Elf who comes baring the gift of music came bounding into my office with a smile on his face and a flash drive in his hand - that usually means that he has found something good.
GabeO's cousin turned him on to these guys (shortly before thieves broke into his car and stole his iPod and satellite radio - at least they were interrupted before they made off with all of his music too).
Before firing up the MP3s that comprise Underneath The Owl I asked what kind of music this is. The answer was a complicated one. The Gamblers don't really fit into any one category. They are classified as Punk, but they use steel guitars and play fairly complicated music. This album is pretty eclectic actually - different tracks have different vibes.
However some things are consistent throughout the album:
1. These guys can play - well. I listen to their stuff and think "that's why I am not a professional musician". These guys are good - very tight.
2. The songs all rock hard - at times it sounds like Punk, at times like Metal. There is even a country vibe on one track - but it all flows well.
3. These guys are having fun. Contrast this album with the god awful crap that Jana Peri put out - while her band sounds bored. These guys are grooving to what they are doing.
The track list:
1. Diss Diss Diss Kiss Kiss Kiss - two minutes of fast, loud guitar and drums. The vocals fit well with the song. I like the way the backup vocals blend with the lead vocals. I can't understand the words, but the music more than makes up for any meaning lost in the words.
2. A Choppy Yet Sincere Apology - this song has a reggae feel to it. It is infectious power-pop. I really like this guy's voice. I usually don't pay too much attention to the singer, but this kid sounds really good. The 2 minute 27 second mark begins a really nice guitar lead. I like this song.
3. Catastrophe - this song starts off like a Metal rant. Buzzing guitar and heavy bass. The drums are thundering away when I hear the singer say something about washing with kerosene. All in all a straight up jam. Man, I like the guitar I hear - the man rocks.
4. Alexandria - I like the drums - the guitar is more of what I've come to expect. This is a good song - although a very straight forward song. The nice guitar leads make the tune in my opinion.
5. Pilgrims in an Unholy Land - Interesting beginning with subdued drums followed by staccato chords on the guitar. The at the one minute mark the band opens up and unleashes a blast that runs for several measures before going back into the staccato chords. The drummer seems to be having a really good time - blazing heavy metal fills lead into the guitar player showing off his lightening - I find myself smiling and thinking BOOM there it is - that's Rock and Roll.
6. Sleepless - Interesting drums and HEAVY bass start the track. The singer is more talking than singing, but it works - it actually sounds cool. I really like this guy's voice. The at the 1 minute 23 second mark they reach into their bag and pull out another dose of attitude laden JAM. The more I listen the more I think I wish I was in this band.
7. Robots May Break Your Heart - funky guitar with a buzzing effect coupled with a Marimba? Yeah - its like Rock mixed with Jazz - is that Razz? But unlike Santana for example, this doesn't give me a headache. I guess the Riverboat Gamblers dumbed it down enough so that even I can follow what they are doing. The guitar is just so infectious - I dig this song and I'm surprised by that.
8. The Tearjerker - this is a somewhat mellow song. I guess they are showing their sensitive side.
9. Keep Me From Drinking - fast drums and guitars provide a drone for the singer to pontificate on top of. The trials of being a young punk in love. I dig it though - I really like the drummer - this song has an old school punk beat to it - then the guitar puts in a little flash to take them back to the chorus and end the song.
10. Steer Clear - excellent music - the words sound ominous -Daddy needs his head examined / Keep my head down / I'm alone again / Why come here if I don't want to be around / I dig this song a lot.
11. Victory Lap - Nice feedback guitar at the beginning - the bass player and drummer seem locked in competition to make as much noise as fast as they can while staying together. This song is just one fast bombastic crash after another - I can't make out all the words, but they singer is pissed about something - he has a list of grievances that he seems to be trying to squeeze in between musical outbursts. The band seems to be racing each other toward the end of the song while the singer holds on and tries to get through the words he wrote. He just barely makes it - or did he give up? In any case this is a great song to end the record. Well done guys.
All in all I'm impressed - they receive 4 scowls out of 5. This album is worth the money.
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Last Updated (Friday, 10 April 2009 12:43)