2025 – HeavyDrunk Records
By Phillip Smith; Feb. 14, 2025
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
Bluesland Theme Park, the new release from Rob Robinson (HeavyDrunk)
and Bill Homans (Watermelon Slim) is one hell of a musical ride. This
eleven-track recording alternates tracks between the two artists, creating a memorizing
listen. The two met in Clarksdale, Mississippi after one of Watermelon
Slim’s performances. Afterward, a chain of events took place which paired the
two in a recording studio with HeavyDrunk’s band and sparked a tour of the
UK and Europe.
Title-track “Bluesland Theme Park” leads this record off in a carnival-inspired atmosphere with HeavyDrunk as the ringmaster. In a riveting performance topped with blues-soaked horns, hand-claps, and searing harmonica, he reminds us all that the land of blues is not as safe and carefree as folks like to believe. The swampy sounds of slide guitar pull me in to the southern gospel soul of “Church Bells (Little Zion)”. I love the New Orleans second-line pulse topped with sounds of swirling organ, trombone, and backing vocals. Hearing this track is truly a religious experience. “Road Food & Cheap Motels”, Watermelon Slim’s ode to traveling on a tight budget, hits close to home. Slim captivates me with his mastery of words, and unique style of playing guitar. Watermelon Slim’s account of Custer’s Last Stand cuts right to the bone as he sings “Little Bighorn” accompanied only by his acoustic guitar. The album closes with a funky intoxicating track called “Fresh” with HeavyDrunk behind the microphone. Loaded with an unescapable groove, this one keeps me locked in and smiling.
Bluesland Theme Park is one of those albums that begs to be heard. I absolutely love it.
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WEBSITE & SOCIALS
HeavyDrunk
FB: www.facebook.com/heavydrunkband
IG: www.instagram.com/heavydrunkband
YT: www.youtube.com/@HeavyDrunkBand
Watermelon Slim
FB: https:www.facebook.com/watermelonslimofficial
IG: www.instagram.com/watermelonslim1/
