Let the music be your guide they tell us with the title cut of their CD. These guys are funky and soulful though out this thing. The title song sets the pace and tone .
The next tune “Payroll Deduction” is on of my favorite cuts. It is a story of a dude that works and works, paying his unemployment insurance with every check. Finally he gets fired and gets to live off his payroll deduction. Been there done that, this is a great tune about that experience with some pretty creative lyrics. Song # 3 “What’s Left” slows things down and a well placed juncture in the collection. I’ll say that I don’t normally go for slow stuff but this is a well written song that is sung with passion and the music seems to be almost caressing. It’s not what you hold in your hand, it’s the love you leave behind (to para-phrase) that really maters in life. I like this tune also.
“Neckbone Johnson”, song #4 is a nice way to get ya back into the grove. It’s a progressive song that builds slowly and surely a positive impression that will be left behind by this band once you listen to the whole thing. Song # 5 , “Them Days” puts the breaks on the whole deal, I suggest you skip that song . It just doesn’t fit. On third thought maybe it ain’t so bad, but I will say it’s the weakest link here.
Song # 6 “Phone Keeps Ringing” and the 4 following cuts continues to build that positive impression. it’s a bit slow but it has that funk underpinning that draws you into what this band has to offer. The song seems to be about some self doubt in thinking about a past love. It is just what the music doctor ordered to draw the listener back in. # 7 “Big Fat Frog” seems to pick right up where the last song left off and bring you up that funk ladder. They add some kickin horns. This is a cool instrumental and the bass is way excellent.
“Bad Luck Tour”, song # 8 is the bluziest on the CD. This is some real good Chicago Blues. It’s a traveling song, heading down to see Gigi in Tennessee. They “Dis” their Dodge Van and tell the story of a hard working Blues Band on the road from city to city. #9 “Wrong” brings you directly back to the funk and soul but somehow with a different taste in your mouth. Somehow dirtier and more gritty. Maybe it was the red Tennessee soil from the previous song. The final tune is an acoustic that is front porch and blusy.
I like this group and look forward to hearing more of what they have to offer. Their name “Vital Support” came in 1996 when, Backing up Carl Weathersby , they wanted to establish their own name. In 2004 the band decided to venture out on their own and have been playing gigs ever since. They are out of the Hoosier State of Indiana and influenced by the Chicago Blues sound. The front cover has a pretty cool railroad bridge on it somewhere in Schererville Indiana.. I wonder what river it runs over and where they crossed it.
Pick this CD up, you are gonna like it. Check them out on line at www.vitalsupportband.com