CD:  The Melroys
Label: 95 North
Rating: 
Genre:  Mixed

 

 

From the opening cut you like it.  An upbeat “driving” tune called I Don’t Care (What They Say).  You can hear a little hiss like a preamp is really cranked but you remember how insignificant that is when the drums kick in.  This is a hot record, after all.  By the third cut the Melroys have taken you from roots rock, to blues flavor, to country.  The driving force behind the band, Randy Leiner, who wrote and sang the majority of the cuts as well as contributing on numerous incarnations of the guitar and slide whistle (slide whistle?  heck why not) seems pretty well at home in all these styles.  By track four you get a 50’s vibe via “I Can’t Forget”.  Now you’re starting to get the idea.  The Melroys are versatile, yet retain a recognizable sound.  That sound is definitely Roots and Americana.   

Rounding out the group are Greg Hopkins on electric and upright “baby” bass, harmony and lead vocals. Denny DeVette does harmony vocals, lead vocals on a couple of tracks, and more guitars. Mike Enderle handles drums and percussion.  All of these guys together play with a singleness of purpose which you will understand when you listen to this record.  They are extremely tight. 

I can highly recommend this album.  Everything about it is really well done, the tunes, the talent, and the production.  The Melroys deserve every success that comes their way.  I give this record a high five. 

 

Wade Jacoby -  Roots Music Report