CD Review
T-99
Strange Things Happen
(Sonic Rendezvous SRV998)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: July 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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On their debut CD, "Coo-Coo," T-99's raw energy and enthusiasm combined with a set that straddled the borders of blues, R&B and rock'n'roll marked them out as one to watch. For their follow-up the rhythm section that provides the foundation for frontman Mischa den Haring now comprises Martin De Ruiter (drums and vocals), and Donné La Fontaine (bass).
The album kicks off in rowdy style with J.T. Smith's "Hungry Wolf," marked by the terrific retro guitar tone of den Haring. The band come across as a sort of blues equivalent of the Cramps. The blues dominates their repertoire, and with songs like "I Just Don't Know" and "Red Dirt River," you could easily imagine them slotting into the Fat Possum roster. The band are happy to visit the offspring of the blues too, which they do to great effect on the surf guitar instrumental "Sayonara" and later on the equally excellent "Dragracin'."
The darkly brooding mood of the band is perfectly captured when they slow the pace down on "Lost Reason Blues" which combines shades of Screaming Jay Hawkins with Nick Cave. The album has its lighter moments too, though, when it dips into country and hokum ("I Wish I Had A Ship," "Countryside Bound," and "Last Fair Deal Gone Down"). It all fits together nicely, though, to form a cohesive unit.
"Strange Things Happen" is another fine album from T-99 that just gets better with repeated plays. Fans of bands like the Paladins will find plenty here to admire, although it also will appeal more widely to people who like their blues raw and earthy. Great stuff!
www.t-99.com
www.sonicrendezvoous.com
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