Post by jptheprofessor on Jun 29, 2008 22:38:28 GMT -5
KUN-TAJUS – CHROME HOG SALOON (no label) On their sophomore album, Chrome Hog Saloon, Bedford County foursome Kun-Tajus picks up where their first CD, No Cure, left off. The dual singing and guitar-playing tandem of Chad Patterson and Mike Clapper, bassist Dave Wagner and drummer Jack Carrigan plays stripped-down, basic rock and roll over the disc’s ten tracks. Kun-Tajus’ songs aren’t fancy or elaborate, and lyrically they’re not out to cure world hunger or solve the Washington political mess. Instead, Kun-Tajus plays simple, heartfelt rock and roll odes about a variety of relatable everyday themes. Motorcycles and riding are at the center of three songs; the rumbling album-opening title track “Chrome Hog Saloon,” the pounder “Rollin’ Ramblin’ Man” and the driving album finisher “Harley D. Machine.” Malfunctioning automobiles are in the spotlight on the country-tinged “Full Throttle” and the 50’s rock-flavored “Broken Down Car.” The group celebrates making music on “Rockin’ Shoes,” while “L-O-V-E” seeks to cure an affliction similar to the one Robert Palmer addresses on “Bad Case of Loving You.” Kun-Tajus also tackles a few more serious topics; lamenting a mistake on “I Was Wrong,” scolding somebody’s hurtful ways on “How Many Hearts?,” and regretting lost love on “In My Heart.” As performances go, nobody will accuse these guys of being virtuosos, and their execution and mix aren’t always the smoothest. In addition, the band’s production is lo-fi and a little uneven in spots. But while flawed, it’s honest and gritty music that’s fun and never takes things too seriously. Warts and all, Kun-Tajus’ Chrome Hog Saloon offers real blue-collar rock and roll from the heart; and is ultimately an upbeat and likeable effort. (The CD can be purchased through Kun-Tajus’s website, www.kun-tajus.com.)