The Deal: Locals, formerly parts of Hot Rod Grease Lightning, release 12-song, 31-minute debut disc, Free Cowboy Hat.
The Good: On first listen I thought it was simplistic, but as I listened, I found the depth. From the humor of “Country Pussy” to the rockabilly rhythms that flow throughout the disc, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s rough-around-the-edges, but the punk guitar tells you, “It’s all gonna be alright.”
The Bad: Some people might listen to the first song and give up. With vocals that sound like they were recorded underwater, “Alcohol” may rub people the wrong way. However, the song has a certain Butthole Surfers (the old stuff) quality to it and the style fits the theme.
The Verdict: It’s not every day that you hear a rock group incorporate a mandolin or banjo (not in every song, mind you). It’s one of those groups that would fit in on a punk night at The Milestone as much as a rockabilly fest at Puckett’s or an evening out with the Charlotte Roller Girls. The talented quartet will play at Snug Harbor on Aug. 20 – go check ’em out!
This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2008.
