2021 – Polly O’Keary and
the Rhythm Method
By Phillip Smith; Aug. 7, 2021
50, the sixth album from Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm
Method swiftly swept me off my feet with its unique blend of funk, soul,
rock, and blues. With O’Keary on
lead vocals and bass guitar, the Rhythm Method is comprised of guitarist
Dave Miller and drummer Tommy Cook. Being unable to play last year due to Covid-19,
the band spent their time writing and recording this splendid eleven-track record
of all originals. The title 50,
derives its name from the fact that all three members of this power trio turn
50 this year.
They roll the album out atop a wave of funky goodness on “Brand New Day” with guest vocalist Lady A (the real one, not the country band) joining in. The real Lady A and O’Keary sound great together, as Miller powers though an extraordinary guitar solo. The song is an absolute homerun. Cook infuses “Can’t Catch Me” with a marching-line beat, as Miller’s searing guitar licks pour freely and cast an ominous air about this ballad about facing down drug addiction. O’Keary sounds fabulous as she sings “Strange Way of Showing Love”. Her voice control is amazing. Miller continues to push the envelope on guitar as O’Keary and Cook keep the rhythm section boiling. “American Highways” ushers the album out in a Billy Squire no-holds-barred fashion, boasting an accelerated pulse and a kick-ass riff.
50 is a record that packs a punch in just about every song. It’s absolutely worth checking out.
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