The sound of the American blues rock band Vintage Trouble recalls the best days from the blues and rock era — invoking treasured memories — like the “Chess Studios” years of the Rolling Stones, or the “School Days” of Chuck Berry or even the “Ed Sullivan Show” period of The Animals.
The band is based around the dynamic vocals of Ty Taylor and the persuasive guitar of Nalle Colt (he doubles-up on the rhythm and lead guitar.)
Their local chum, Rick Barrio Dill, was brought in to play bass. He, in turn, led along Richard Danielson for the drums.
Together, they capture the true essence & soul of the old-style blues-rock movement. So far they have it made ‘bigger’ in Europe than they have in their home country. Due, in large part, to their exposure through British TV on the Jools Holland show and supporting Paloma Faith on her tours.
We have been listening to the new album 1 HOPEFUL ROAD:
‘Run Like the River‘ boom-shacka-booms and claps itself along, as the swampy slide guitar helps to motivates the true slinky nature of this song.
Soon it has more snakes and wriggles than a Mississippi bottomland ditch. Perhaps you could call this swamp soul.
‘From My Arms’ has a delicious bass. And that voice-line by Ty is smooth and elegant. Filled with eye-glinting confidence.
It’s as if Mathis had sipped a bathtub full of acid then glugged down a quarry load of river rock as an after-thought. Still, this has more grace & elegance than a superfly pimp on his special night out. But it lacks the burst of vital energy that could make it stand out from the herd.
‘Angel City, California’ is a real tight jam boogie, with a seductive singalong chorus and a happy clapalong beat.
And ‘Shows What You Know’ is a slow-mover. Dragging across the dance floor. And waltzing right into your heart.
This is what VT are good at. Honest, sincere & passionate soul. Dramatic, but pure of heart. You roll with it. But you do not get rolled over.
So, the guitars move like diamondbacks in the sticky grass. The bass notes are blotched and the rhythms are slightly funky. Above all this, that voice rises and presides like an over-generous angel.
For those looking for a cross between Creedence Clearwater Revival and James Brown, this is for you. An escape. Just immerse yourself in their healing waters!
But perhaps the VT sound could be less compromising. More progressive.
Perhaps the guys might have tried to draw more influences from contemporary musicians rather than constantly harping back to their favoured epoch… It’s as if they are trying too hard to make us believe that Stax records and the early Motown era were Utopian times (they weren’t.)
But so what if it all seems veteran?
Vintage Trouble make good, clean-living, homegrown American Music. And it is more than merely fine and dandy. It’s the very best there is.
Superior in every way. Yes, this is vintage.
Words: @neilmach 2015 ©
Link: https://www.facebook.com/vintagetrouble
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