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.
