GravelRoad - El Scuerpo

2014 – Knick Knack Records

By Phillip Smith; Dec 19, 2014

El Scuerpo, the latest release from Seattle-based musicians, GravelRoad is slathered in down-home country blues, amplified, and delivered by Thor, the god of thunder.  Guitarists Stefan Zillioux and Jon Kirby are joined by drummer Martin Reinsel and bassist Joe Johnson to deliver this eight-track album so full of electricity, it’s addicting.   

Zillioux’s gravelly vocals are made for singing the blues.  It really stands out on “Wolf On Down the Way”. This track has a retro old-school vibe.  Then there is “40 Miles”, one of my favorite songs on the album.  I love the echoing sounds from the dual guitar as they harmonize.  It’s such a cool experience to hear.  

It is amazing what the band does with Junior Kimbrough’s “Lord Have Mercy”. Guest singer Lisa Kekaula nails this one down with the smoky sounds of her voice as the guys pour in the psychedelia.  If Pink Floyd had recorded this in their earlier years, this is what I imagine it would sound like. “Asteroid”, is another cool fuzzy ball of psychedelic fun. It’s the musical equivalent of an army of Spartans marching off to battle.

As if specially written to be after-dinner music for the infamous Donner Party, “Flesh and Bone” take a “tongue in cheek” comedic jab at cannibalism in a hoe-down style.  Ironically, this after-dinner mint also happens to be the most infectious selections on the album. It’s still stuck in my head.

I’m definitely going to keep this album close by for a while.        

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