WESTERN BOP
The Quakes
September 2024
Label OREXX
Reviewed 4/11/24
The Quakes are the original American Psychobilly Band and 36 years since the release of their first album they are back with a bit of ‘WESTERN BOP’
THE QUAKES are:
Paul Roman (Vox/Guitar)
Wes Hinshaw (Slap Bass/Drums)
Juan Carlos (Drums)
produced by Vince Orexx
1/ANOTHER HOLE IN MY HEART
Western Bop opens with a tribal drum beat followed by a great guitar riff which takes us into Another Hole In My Heart. This song is about a failing relationship and not wanting to die in a particular town but despite the gloomy subject the song is a great tempo, upbeat and has a really catchy chorus which you will be singing along to before the 3mins 42seconds is up.
2/ THIS PARTY’S OVER
we are treated to an acapella rendition of the chorus before guitar and drums lead us into the song. This Party’s Over is adventurous as psychobilly goes and The Quakes, never afraid to break with tradition, provide us with a song that could work in many different genres. The guitar, drums and bass ensure it still maintains the distinctive psycho foundation.
3/ PROMISED YOU A MIRACLE
Yes this is the new romantic classic from the 80s recreated with double bass and tremelo. My wife was a bit of a Simple Minds fan in their early days and she gave this a thumbs up which trust me is quite an achievement. The adaptation is really clever and sticks to the main structure of the song but with a distinctive rhythm and slick licks, The Quakes make this their own.
4/ THE OTHER SIDE
The opening distorted guitar riff is brilliant and draws us into this really catchy song. Paul’s singing is powerful but easy to listen to and his guitar playing is inventive moving songs away from ‘the usual R’n’R’ . Watch out for the guitar riff returning after the chorus….I love it!
5/ PARTS & LABOUR
This is a traditional country/hillbilly offering all about making as much money as possible to repair a truck. The walking guitar riff guides us effortlessly through this quirky number. It is simple, it is catchy, it is fun, and it is absolutely brilliant.
6/ TWO OF US
Another song another broken relationship!!!! but again, this song has a really catchy swagger and is really difficult not to dance to or at the very least tap your foot to. Some of the chord progressions within the song you will not expect but they work so well making this a very original offering.
7/ TEARS HAVE TO FALL
Tears Have To Fall opens with guitar picking before the descending 4 note riff takes us into a completely different rhythm to any we have heard so far. Stabbing chords run throughout with an excellent, catchy guitar riff. I like this a lot and once again The Quakes are not afraid to gives something different and they deliver it very well.
8/ GO BERSERK
Although the lyrics are fairly basic the guitar playing in this song is worth many, many listens. The There are several genres combined in this one song, an almost funky riff through the chorus and watch out for the incredible guitar run at the end of the solo.
9/ HIT OR MISS
More experimentation with different sounds including backing vocals and an interesting guitar effect at the beginning and again at the end but it sounds great. This is one of my favourites on the album. Have a really good listen to the slap bass in this song as it is out of this world.
10/ PIONEERS TAKE THE ARROWS
We open with the catchy chorus before hitting the verse (or the middle?) the sound and rhythm of which is so unexpected but works so well. This song has been constructed very smartly, it breaks all the rules and I love it. After the verse (or middle?) we get a refrain of the title chorus and just when you think The Quakes can’t give us any more surprises…..they do. But you’ll have to have a listen to find out what?
11/ TAILOR MADE
The lyrics of Tailor Made are deep and about a girl in a photo/online and whether or not her ‘TAILOR MADE’ looks are just a façade for unhappiness inside. (Apologies if have got this wrong). it is a great ballad and despite some great rhythm and guitar the emphasis in this song is undoubtedly the vocals.
12/ PARTS & LABOR
I am a sucker for lap steel guitar and so I think this version is superb taking a great song and making it even better.
13/ THIS PARTY’S OVER (Party Mix)
Remix of track 2
SUMMARY:
I remember when The Quakes released their first album, and I wasn’t interested because they tried things and sounds that other psychobilly bands didn’t, but I realise now that is why they are so good. Their willingness to maintain their roots but still try new things, sometimes unexpected things, make them stand out from many other bands of their genre. This album is creative, it has edge, it has great instrumental talent, and it doesn’t lose The Quakes distinctive sound.
RECOMMENDATION:
I really like this record and will listen to it many more times. If you are stuck and wondering what to listen to next, you can’t go wrong with a bit of ‘WESTERN BOP’
The Quakes | Phoenix AZ | Facebook
Reviewed By: Cal Ross
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