The Locker Room Cowboys - Into the Silence

 

Not satisfied with one release this year with the Locker Room Cowboys outstanding  début album 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams', the west country's Bassist Supreme Andy Budge has already dropped the band's second album release 'Into the Silence'... and, it's something very different in theme and feel to the former. Well, beyond that, as with the bands previous album, there's a nice 80's flavour and aesthetic running through many of the tracks. Notes on Bandcamp tell us that 'Into the Silence' is inspired by Chomolungma (Everest/Goddess Mother of Mountains) 1921 - 1924, with spoken extracts taken from the diary and letters of George Mallory (Mallory was the only climber to be on all 3 British attempts 21' to 24', dying on the third in 1924), and yeah, what a wonderful suit of music. The whole album has a mellow laid back vibe to it, very atmospheric, lovely guitars, and throughout a cinematic quality to the music which perfectly convey the topics of the album and stimulates the mind's eye. Budge is joined again by John Garden, Icarus Peel and Charlie Bateson, accomplished musicians to a man, and, as you'd imagine, the composition, musicianship and delivery are all top draw. I'd love to see this synced with footage of the landscapes and events of the period, I reckon that would really work...koyaanisqatsi type thing. 'Into the Silence' is a fabulous album and I thoroughly recommend you check it out here.  I can't wait to hear in what direction the Locker Room Cowboys will venture next.

The Locker Room Cowboys 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams'

The Locker Room Cowboys début album 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams' is released today, and it's a truly marvellous creation. I wrote a preview review back in December and everything I wrote then still stands as strong if not stronger after even more listens. If I have one thing to add, it's that time and additional listens have given me a greater respect for the albums lyrical qualities, masterful, man. Buy yourself a copy, it really stands as one of, if not the, best releases you'll hear this year.

The Locker Room Cowboys 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams'

The Locker Room Cowboys (TLRC#1 Budge, Curvey, Crystal Jacqueline, Peel & Reyes) appeared on Fruits de Mer's epic 'The Three Seasons' contributing a wonderful re-imagining of The Stones 'We Love You', then swiftly vanished. After that début appearance there were obviously calls for more, an album maybe? A couple of tantalizing short demo pieces followed, then earlier this year the release of their superb début single 'Always Love You' (TLRC#2 Bateson, Budge, Budge, Peel & Reyes). Now this band of musical troubadours, brainchild of West county's bassist supreme Andy Budge, returns with their début album 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams' and, man, it's really something rather special. The Band's line up has been augmented for this outing, Budge is quick to emphasize a collective effort drives the band, and what a collective it is: Charlie Bateson (Steepways); Andy Budge (Cary Grace Band, Icarus Peels Acid Reign, Steepways); Evie Budge; John Garden (Scissor Sisters, Alison Moyet, Cary Grace Band); Crystal Jacqueline (Crystal Jacqueline, Honey Pot); Icarus Peel (Honey Pot, Acid Reign) and Victoria Reyes (Honey Pot, Steepways, Cary Grace Band), a stellar line up I'm sure you'd agree. I've had the privilege to give the album a listen(s), and straight off I've got to say, kudos y'all. The 'Future Came and Stole Our Dreams' (inspired title) is a fancy box of aural chocolates made up of some of our favourite centers, of course, if they were chocolate we'd swiftly become Mr Creosote, moreish doesn't do these tracks justice. An interesting mix of influences and styles has created twelve innovative, beautifully crafted, lyrically fluent and sumptuously rendered tracks, every one written and performed faultlessly, with elegant arrangement and production throughout.

The album opens with 'Procession' a short and sober new-wave electronic flavoured track, a stripped down drum and guitar introduction that gets your attention. The mood quickly changes with Oklahoma '33, a slice of the soft 80's tasting electronica/pop that characterized soundtracks of the period, many of the tracks on this album have cinematic qualities to them, it's masterfully crafted with wonderful guitar and appealing backing vocals. That 80's electronica vibe's also present though morphed in the doleful 'Most of you', a moody synth and keys driven number, where the earnestness to Bateson's voice works brilliantly in conjuring the quintessential atmosphere of melancholic indie/electronica. Though I feel the strongest influence running through the core of 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams' is a sweet blend of soulful rock, blues rock, and Americana. 'Deep Water' craftily straddles genres, sci-fi electronica bookends a solidly laid back blues rock number with splendid guitar from a Garden and Peel combo, and again lovely backing vocals from Crystal Jacqueline, who appears on several tracks; always a joy to hear.  Then you've got the jaunty upbeat soulful rock flavours of 'Laurel Canyon Comedown', so catchy you're guaranteed to snag your jumper on it, a proper handsome number. Many tracks benefit from Peels capital vocals, which in my opinion have a somewhat Roger Waters-esqueness quality at times. You'll be loving the guitar flavours throughout, each appropriate to the individual track, all impressively delivered and gloriously rich. The whole album has a tremendous richness to it's sound. Half way through the album the unmistakable golden age Floyd-ness of 'Big Yellow Circle' showcases the manifest guitar talents of Icarus Peel, which with perfect slow motion rhythm by Budge and some truly gorgeous keys from Garden create a particularly arresting piece; John Garden's contributions shine across the album (doffing cap). Both single tracks 'Always Love You' and 'Revolutions' are included on the album, slipping in effortlessly with their siblings.  'Always Love You', is a winsome stripped back 60's folk rock-esque number, soothing jangly guitar accompanies Peel's soulful vocals and some lovely backing vocals provided by Bateson and Evie Budge, it's a divine lazy sunny afternoon of a song. 'Revolutions' is a beautifully paced number, Bateson's vocals again compliment the composition and arrangement marvellously, and Victoria Reyes piano is especially delightful. The judicious use of the vocalists is inspired. Awareness of my spiralling word count cows me from enthusing more about every track on the album, so;  be it 'Bordertown's blissful funky bourbon sipping soul, or the emotion loaded 'I'm sure I will', or  the perky strutting of 'Let Me Tell You' drifting into ambiance, all are incredible! In the artisanship of 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams' no detail has been overlooked, there's no dead wood or filler, no tracks to skip, every track plays it's part in the album's journey. Until it's 'Goodnight and Goodbye', the perfect final track, a mournful slow rhythm fades the album out with outstanding lead vocals from Peel complimented by outstanding backing vocals from Bateson, pure magic.

What a truly phenomenal début album, that's not hyperbole either, there's definitely something special here. There's nothing not like and so much to love about this multifaceted album, most of all though, you'll love it's originality, Budge et al. have taken contrasting strands and woven something with timeless appeal, it's fantastic. You're immediately invested, drawn in by it's beautiful pace, it's genuinely satisfying listening, packed with catchy tunes, it's got depth enough to immerse yourself, or if circumstances dictate, enjoy in the background, and it's really great listening when driving. The Locker Room Cowboys 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams' is ideal for any listening situation, the mark of good music with broad appeal, and it just gets better listening each time. Enough, my clumsy writing doesn't do the magnificence of this album justice, you'll have to hear it for yourself. Budge emphasizes the album's collective nature, and that's clearly evident throughout, though I think he deserves a mention, his prints are on every track, in the writing as well as the music, he also plays an astounding array of instruments across the 12 tracks, obviously proficient on all, and this is his first time arranging, mixing and producing; remember, all this from a bass player! Big up maestro, and again, kudos y'all...honestly impressive. My privilege extended to hearing 4 tracks not on the album, yeah that's right, all sensational. 'The Future Came and Stole Our Dreams' will be released shortly, so keep an eye on The Locker Room Cowboys Bandcamp page, there's also hints of future live performances, which would be most excellent. Be assured, no fear of buyers remorse with this release, guaranteed! 

Crystal Jacqueline @ The King Arthur 24.11.2018

After Icarus Peel's Acid Reign, a short interlude and next up at the Arthur was Crystal Jacqueline.  The Crystal Jacqueline Band tonight was Crystal Jacqueline (vocals), John Wyatt (keyboards), Icarus Peel (guitar), Andy Budge (bass) and Brian Rushbrooke (drums). I was really looking forward to this, I've enjoyed Crystal Jacqueline's voice through my speakers, though to hear sing live was a real treat.  Jacqueline has such a beautiful voice, honeyed and haunting, ethereal yet strong, her sound was dreamlike throughout. Jacqueline's got great stage presence too, she didn't just capture your ears, she demanded you attention, and justifiably so, she's a fabulous performer. She was supported by an ensemble of pure class. On keyboards was John Wyatt, who looked thoroughly laid back throughout, though that didn't stop him delivering some nice keyboard work, lovely sounds. If you've read my last post, this next section is going to read somewhat familiar. Well, what was I to do, same musicians, same night, still playing magnificently, only difference...stylee. I've previously remarked on Peel's lovely guitar style, his natural symbiosis with his guitar and in this manifestation we saw new dimensions to it. Still exquisitely picking as he works the frets, conjuring those magical riffs, and crafting sweet flourishes, though now infused with beautiful psychedelic prog flavours. What an outstanding guitarist. Brian Rushbrooke continued to deliver formidable drumming, beautifully paced with great resonance and depth, more of that really nice clean drum sound. Lovely. Ubiquitous psyche bassist Andy brought his trademark, full toned, rich, deep and resonant bass to the progressive arena. Still cucumber cool, the master bass practitioner's neutronium fingers continued to pick out some sweet licks and riffs. What struck me about these three was how versatile they are, and how effortless their transition from power trio to prog trio. All the musicians played their parts to perfection, and the whole set was a feast of gloriously progtastic flavoured psychedelic tunes wonderfully performed by the best of musicians, and we the audience filled our boots. At one point the power failed and the room was enveloped in darkness, there was running about and fussing, but not from Jacqueline who simply continued singing, the sound soon returned and the performance went on. The audience loved every minute of it, and why wouldn't they, it was flippin ace! As I'm ever heard to remark, it was over all too soon, to rapturous applause. Really lovely stuff, man. A huge thanks to the band for such a wonderful performance, loved it. As always, big up the Arthur for putting on these evenings, to the friendly patrons who shuffle and cavort in gay a'bandon, and to my friend for driving...I heartily thank y'all. And check this out!

Icarus Peel's Acid Reign @ The King Arthur 24.11.2018

And here we are again, in the west country's Albert Hall, venue of quality and distinction...The King Arthur. Our musical landscape would be greatly diminished if it weren't for the efforts of the King Arthur to consistently put on wonderful evenings of top draw bands. Tonight was particularly exciting for me as we were seeing two bands I've never seen perform. Exciting stuff! First up was Icarus Peel's Acid Reign, a band who showed perfectly that you still can't beat the beauty and pure power of a trio of first class seasoned musicians playing blistering rock. I don't think it'll ever be surpassed.  Icarus and chums delivered blistering blues infused psychedelic rock with an element of late 60's sensibility, and they did it with gusto. Icarus Peel has a lovely guitar style, he makes it look a natural symbiosis, man and guitar, exquisitely picking as he works the frets, conjuring magical riffs, sweet flourishes and a well deployed whammy, made for some masterful guitar work. He's certainly in his element. What an outstanding guitarist, Icarus looked like he was having of fun too, a lot of smiles... always good see musicians enjoying themselves. Behind him, in the boiler room of the band, Brian Rushbrooke on drums, drums are a bands engine, and Brian made it look effortless (which of course it can't be, far from it), as he delivered some formidable drumming, beautifully paced with great resonance and depth, a really nice clean sound. Lovely. On Bass Andy Budge.  Ubiquitous psyche bassist Andy, was on top form this evening, full toned, rich, deep and resonant bass is the Budge trademark, and he doesn't fail to deliver. A cucumber cool master bass practitioner, with great presence, Andy's neutronium fingers picked out some wonderfully groovy blues licks and riffs. The Budge Rushbrooke combination ensured a rock solid rhythm section, together with Icarus' sweetly singing guitar all the ingredients were there for a musical feast. Man, what a feast of wonderful bluesy psychedelia it was, a real listening pleasure. We could've listened to a lot more of that, it was bliss. I love that the cut back nature of the production allows you to hear and enjoy the individual musicians contributions, there's a purity to a good three piece, and these fellows were way beyond good, each performed magnificently. Kings of blues infused psychedelia, the throne rightly belongs to them, long may Icarus Peel's Acid Reign. Big thanks y'all. And check this out.

The Locker Room Cowboys

Here's a band you need to look out for. I first heard The Locker Room Cowboys on Fruits de Mer's excellent recent compilation 'The Three Seasons' an interpretation of mid sixties classic psyche (see post), The Locker Room Cowboys did a wonderfully original interpretation of the Stones 'We love you', the stand out track in my opinion. It has an eerily weird music box sounding introduction, leading to a deep and laid back rhythm, at times it sounds as if it's slowing down and stretching out, like it's been dipped in psychedelic treacle or is running out of juice, whatever, it makes for a nice trippy feel and sound to it, throughout everything’s just right, guitar, keyboards, vocals, everything, and the addition of some sumptuous female harmonies was inspired, just topping it of beautifully. Smashing track. I remember listening to it, then immediately lifting the tone arm and listening again, on checking out who they were, it transpired The Locker Room Cowboys were an ensemble of leading lights in contemporary psychedelia, Andy Budge, Gregory Curvey, Crystal Jacqueline, Icarus Peel and Victoria Reyes (I shan’t list all the bands they're all associated with, as they're legion). That track alone is reason enough to keep your eye on The Locker Room Cowboys, and got me wondering what else they might have up their musical sleeves. Well, over the last couple of days they've dropped some tantalizing demo’s and, man, they're excellent! I know they're only demo's, raw, unpolished and unfinished, but they suggest some really good things to come from the The Locker Room Cowboys. The Amen Revolution is a fat funky psychedelic dance number, with some fruity bass, you can only imagine how flippin brilliant the finished track is going to sound! Troublefunk #1 too is damn funky, but in an entirely different way, bloody lovely. Finally, there's Saturday Morning Fuzz, something quite different, more rock orientated though none the less ace. Fantastic stuff! Give them a listen, and I'm sure you'll join me in being excited and eagerly awaiting their album and live dates?