The Strange Tones are a four piece band that hails from the Northwest. That is about as much biographical information as you can find. In some senses this is good news for reviewers like me, because it cuts down research time, and means you can cut to the chase and get on and listen to their new CD, "Stink Bomb!"
"Comin' After You" hints at what is to come. The lead guitar fills make sure that you are paying attention, and then the band lock into a classic blues groove. The sound is rooted in the late 1950's/early 1960's, which is further emphasized on "Whole Lotta Nothin'." This is the sort of sound that the early Beatles used to make, but it still comes across as fresh and vibrant. They repeat this trick to great effect on "Wigglin' Fool," a song about a dance that belongs in the same category as "Hippy Hippy Shake."
The (Cramps-style) rockabilly influence rears its head on "Runaway Dog," which features some excellent muddy harp playing, before the band move into swamp blues territory with "Jack B. Nimble." The guitar sound on this one is highly reminiscent of the recordings that Slim Harpo used to make. The band generate a similar sound on the instrumental, "Seasick."
The musical tour continues with the excellent "Each And Every Night," which starts off as a slow Delta blues, with some excellent slide guitar (from guest Henry Cooper). For the last minute or so, though, the band ramp up the tempo to train time, and Cooper gets a free rein to take things home, with a little help from Andy Strange on harp.
Included among the other influences that can be spotted by the discerning listener is Link Wray, particularly in the guitar tone on the instrumental "Throbert Johnson." Jimmy Reed also gets a nod too, on "Pleased To Meet You" which paves the way for the instrumental "Stink Bomb" to close things out in fine style.
"Stink Bomb!" is a real blast. Anyone who likes their music firmly rooted in the late 1950's and early 1960's will find it a treat. The Strange Tones are situated in the same musical territory as bands like the Blasters, mixing up bits of blues, rockabilly and rock and roll. With "Stink Bomb!" the Strange Tones prove that there is still plenty of life in the old dog yet. Another CD well worth tracking down.
www.strangetones.com
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