Translate

Album Review: Shotgun Sawyer- Self-Titled

-

 

Words by Anselm Anderson


Shotgun Sawyer, based in California, has released their third studio album, a self-titled effort, via Ripple Music last Friday. The trio returns with a new drummer and direction for the better.

Lead vocalist Dylan Jarman is joined by bassist Brett Sanders and the latest drummer Cody Tarbell has transitioned from stoner rock. roots-based outfit to a blues band. The trio combines traditional Chicago and Delta Blues with a modern twist on this nine-track release. The album is a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of Shotgun Sawyer since the turn of the decade, starting with the departure of original drummer David Lee. The band soon took a hiatus after they signed to Ripple Music and released their second album Bury the Hatchet. Patrick Hills of Earth Tone Studios of Sacramento, California assisted in bringing out the best of the band. Hills record a raw, personal, humble improvement of the trio's former releases.

The acquisition of Cody Tarbell, formerly known for Slow Season and Westing, enhances vocalist Dylan Jarman. At the same time, bassist Brett Sanders provides a rhythmic display characterized by strong, groovy bass runs. The album features slow delta blue numbers with heavy Chicago blues, resulting in extensive instrumental breaks and catchy songs. The groove-oriented "Cock and Bull" resembles Howlin' Wolf, exuding swagger and confidence. It creates vivid imagery with harmonica and sliding guitars. Next up is "Bye Bye Baby Boogie" a non-stop slab of rock 'n' roll madness, whilst the album takes a backseat with the soulful "The Sky is Crying" and the nine-minute stoner rock track "Isildur's Bane"

"Master Nasty" regains momentum with an uptempo explosion of desert rock and electric blues, giving the song a favourite on this release. Jarman excels as a guitarist, alongside his vocal duties, he delivers slick and skilfully riffs, evoking memories of his childhood influences.

The album concludes with the dark blues on "Tired" and the slow Chicago blues number"That's How it Goes", which sounds like a cathartic exercise for Shot Gun Sawyer.

Overall, this self-titled edition is a welcome return for a band, which seemed lost after the pandemic. They resume with a newfound confidence and understanding of their roots. ShotGun Sawyer is an album for blues enthusiasts and fans of something new.

Shotgun Sawyer lineup
Dylan Jarman - Guitars & Vocals
Brett Sanders - Bass
Cody Tarbell - Drums
The album also features Patrick Hills (keys), Brian Souders (harmonica) and Jacob Hurst (waterphone).

Shotgun Sawyer links
Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram⎪Spotify

Ripple Music links
Website⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following https://follow.it/anselm-s-rambling-man-s-reviews?pub


Copyright: Anselm Anderson ©

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EP Review: Saint Diablo Embraces the past on "The Reckoning"

-
Image
  Words from Anselm Anderson Nu-Metal is making a return with a bang. The latest band to embrace the genre that mixed down-tuned guitars with mixing desks and aggressive vocals about personal struggles and social anxieties is Virginia-based sextet,  Saint Diablo. Today, the Latin Americans release their latest four-track EP 'The Reckoning' via Eclipse Records.  The band consists of lead vocalist Tito Quinones, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Zach San Pietro, drummer Anthony San Pietro, and percussionist Awesome Ray Ray. It has released two full releases to date, including 2015's critically -acclaimed Devils, Horns and Halos. The Reckoning  is no exception as the band delivers four sizzling tracks of apoplectic rage, thunderous riffs and catchy choruses to set themselves loose on the metal world. Upon first listening, I felt the band reminded me of the 2000's Latin Nu-metal group Il Nino. Ironically, this EP  was mixed, mastered, and recorded by the band's prod...
Read more

Eclipse Records News: IN WE FALL signs exclusive worldwide deal with the legendary Metal Label

-
Image
Photo Credit: Carlos Nemeth   New album Inner Self set for release on December 13th Iconic Record Label Eclipse Records  has announced its latest acquisition with the signing of In We Fall to a worldwide exclusive deal. An alternative metal band from Vila Real, Portugal, In We Fall, is known for creating a distinct and exotic sound through a mixture of alternative metal, progressive metal, and grunge. The band recently finished recording their debut full-length album entitled Inner Self which will be released on December 13, 2024. The album was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Daniel Moreira, at EvoluiSom Studios .    guitarist Carlos Carneiro says of the signing “We are really thrilled about signing with Eclipse Records and looking forward to the best work we can do with them!” says guitarist Carlos Carneiro. “Our debut album is ready to be released, so it really is great to be able to have this kind of support from them at this stage of our careers! Vo...
Read more

EP Review: Paradis- Self Titled

-
Image
  Words by Anselm Anderson Metalcore act Paradis released their hotly-anticipated self-titled debut EP last week, The quintet combines the raw ferocity of the genre's vocals with the dark atmospheric music of black metal, which is a unique approach to the revived genre, once maligned by metalheads all over. Formed in London, England, the multicultural group consists of vocalist Johnny Weaver, guitarists Pedro Silva and Federico Di Biase, bassist Mark Kuchmenko and drummer Flynn Everard. The band commented on how this was a team effort, reflected over five intense, headbanging tracks. Photo Credit: Michael Williams One notable aspect of this EP is the diversity of the tracks. Paradis delivers powerful and ominous metal with impactful orchestration and bone-shaking breakdowns. The band's creative ideas allow the music to take on a life of its own, showcasing a contrast between aggressive, angst-filled vocals paired with heavy riffs, and melodic vocals set against gothic underton...
Read more