Post by jptheprofessor on Aug 13, 2006 23:56:17 GMT -5
RUSTY GUN REVIVAL – RUSTY GUN REVIVAL (no label) Singer, guitarist and harmonica player Marc Prave and bass fiddle player Ed McDonald formed Blind Jonny Death in late 2003. Shortly after adding snare drum player Tom Hipps early last year, the group released their first album, Git Down On The Farm; introducing their brand of rural roots and Americana music. But the addition of Hipps changed the dynamic of the group, giving them a livelier sound and edge. Thus, earlier this year, Blind Jonny Death changed their name to Rusty Gun Revival to reflect their change and growth. Their self-titled debut as Rusty Gun Revival shows listeners a sound that is still true to the rural roots sounds of their Blind Jonny Death incarnation, yet demonstrates more grit and edge. This evolution is immediately celebrated on the boisterous honky-tonk opening track, “Revival,” launched from a pipe organ prelude played by guest Doug Beard. The group also shows off its edgier approach on the wistful electric-tinged ode to unfulfilled ambition, “Smoke;” the driving rockabilly of “Step It Up n’Go;” and the electric surf-abilly instrumental “LF/T.” The group updates “That Girl Is Hot” and “Long Way From Home” from Git Down On The Farm, both given extra punch and fullness from Hipps’ snare beats and guest John Stevens’ lap steel, plus Prave’s slightly more agitated vocal performance. The upbeat honky tonk workouts “Good Morning” and “Honky Tonk Women” also display spirit and vigor, while Prave’s grittier and rangier presentation breathes new life into the traditional folk song “Tell Old Bill.” Elsewhere, “No More Blues” is simple acoustic folk, while “Last Cowboy’s” low-fi vinyl record sound recalls an earlier era, and the group shows a more playful and mischievous side on the bonus track remake of the traditional “Way Downtown.” Rusty Gun Revival shows more sharpness and depth, as the group uses their roots foundation as a launching pad to stretch and explore more musical terrain. The production by the group and John Wagoner sacrifices some of the warmth and coziness of Git Down On The Farm for more rawness and jagged edges; without losing the rural flavor and homeyness of Rusty Gun Revival’s base sound. Ultimately, as this band’s name change signifies expansion and growth, the Rusty Gun Revival album shows a band exploring and expanding their Americana music foundation with more drive, vigor and vinegar. The result is rural Americana music with a bite, and a fun and entertaining listen. (The CD can be obtained through the group’s website, www.rustygunrevival.com.)