Armchair Martian - Who Wants To Play Bass?
Armchair Martian returns with another batch of their country meets punk blend on what is presumably their last record. That's a shame because this is really one of the more unique punk bands out there. Their sincere, honest country punk sound and heartfelt vocals are a powerful mix that appeals to people like me that really can't stand country music.
This record differs the most from any of their previous albums in terms of the overall sound. Where their first record was fast, distorted country guitar chords they've made a slow progression to incorporate more traditional country elements that's in full flower here. Similar to their side band Drag The River, you'll find lots of slower paced songs with acoustic guitars and traditional country arrangements with only sprinklings of distorted guitars. This isn't totally unwelcome but it definitely blurs the line between those two bands and, if I had to call it, I'd say this album has more in common with Drag The River than earlier Armchair Martian albums.
There are a few faster, more familiar cuts like "Saving Anger" and "Re-Routed" that fans will latch onto instantly but ultimately their scarcity on this record just makes you more nostalgic for the way it was on previous releases. Still, as a band they've probably never wrote better songs than this. Whether it's the bare bones country crooners or the richly layered punk influenced ones, their years of straddling that line has produced a truly unique and compelling synthesis of these two styles of music. Where you can especially here this is in the solos on this record, which are absolutely fantastic across the board. While many times they're distorted, there's a mournful edge to them that perfectly complements the downtrodden, down and out cowboy vibe of the lyrics.
In the end, this is a great record but if you're looking for some higher energy material I suggest their three previous records with the debut being the most straightforward of the bunch. Still, you shouldn't pass on this one unless you really can't stand even a hint of country.
This record differs the most from any of their previous albums in terms of the overall sound. Where their first record was fast, distorted country guitar chords they've made a slow progression to incorporate more traditional country elements that's in full flower here. Similar to their side band Drag The River, you'll find lots of slower paced songs with acoustic guitars and traditional country arrangements with only sprinklings of distorted guitars. This isn't totally unwelcome but it definitely blurs the line between those two bands and, if I had to call it, I'd say this album has more in common with Drag The River than earlier Armchair Martian albums.
There are a few faster, more familiar cuts like "Saving Anger" and "Re-Routed" that fans will latch onto instantly but ultimately their scarcity on this record just makes you more nostalgic for the way it was on previous releases. Still, as a band they've probably never wrote better songs than this. Whether it's the bare bones country crooners or the richly layered punk influenced ones, their years of straddling that line has produced a truly unique and compelling synthesis of these two styles of music. Where you can especially here this is in the solos on this record, which are absolutely fantastic across the board. While many times they're distorted, there's a mournful edge to them that perfectly complements the downtrodden, down and out cowboy vibe of the lyrics.
In the end, this is a great record but if you're looking for some higher energy material I suggest their three previous records with the debut being the most straightforward of the bunch. Still, you shouldn't pass on this one unless you really can't stand even a hint of country.
