What we have here is some killer guitar work, plain and simple. Fusing some modern elements with some amazing finger work; blending together Rock ‘n Roll, Blues, and Classic Rock – and an ounce of humour for good measure.
Now, I am new to the work of Mr. Thyer (cue the derision), and I have to say I was blown away. The album, featuring his goodself and his Worried Men, is a stunning introduction to his work (nee their ability).
Opening with “My Way” the funky Rock ‘n’ Roll hits you full force, with the guitar immediately taking centre stage; this R ‘n’ R continues with “Further Up The Road” with a faster tempo. The bassline and drum work keep you solely focused and keep your heart racing and foot tapping. As the guitar solo kicks in that infectious bass provides a backbone to the solo.
With a change in focus is “Play With Fire”, if only to show the versatility of the band. Initially it feels more like a tribute than a re-imagining, and one that is pulled off leaving the listener curious to how strong their memory of the original is. But that does not do it justice, on subsequent listens the stylizations start to show through. “You know, you try to do something with it; inject your own personalty”. Opening with a subtle bass and acoustic guitar, the finger clicks provide the rhythm. The reason you need to listen to this more than once is, the first listen you can’t help but hear the original.
While “The Light That Failed” with a change in vocalist, Carole gives a change of feel to the album. Opening predominately with drums, there is almost a tribal feel – but soon the guitars kick in for the chorus. This finishes abruptly – or rather just flows straight into “Boo Radley’s Porch” which becomes a harder hitting guitar piece, mixing some tight work along with distorted guitar; providing a great offset in styles that play off eachother, almost as a duel.
The Blues gets in full swing with “Nobody Loves Me”, as the vocals cry out “Nobody loved me but my mother”. This never leads to a happy story, but that is the blues! Opening with some superb noodling on the guitar, the slower rhythm and basswork give you pause for thought as the guitar washes over you.
Things get a little more chaotic for “We’re Coming Home”, the tempo rises and the guitar picks away at you. An instrumental track albeit infused with samples, and some electronic synth work. Don’t get me wrong, these do not detract from the guitar work; but help to give depth to the track….and it has been a long time since I have heard a drum solo on an album that was not a live album! This is followed by the uncompromising “I’m Not Like Everybody Else”, a harder hitting no nonsense track – and that is just from a lyrical stance! But the instrumental “Rova” turns it all back down again as that guitar washes over you in all its goodness! Whereas “Witch Queen Of New Orleans” opens to a Rockier stance, recreating the energy from the start of the album. This is a punchy number, whose closing riff sounded rather familiar!
After the party which was “Which Queen” comes the gentle “Wake UP, Rocket Dog!” closing the album on a more peaceful vibe. When I read through the track listing I expected this one to be a more get up and go track – simply by the title alone. This is a slow Summery track, with gentle guitar work. Almost the comedown track after the workout which preceded. But keep listening to the very end…
Okay, time for the criticism, between a few of the tracks are little snippets and samples, for some these may be a little irritating – but they are quite amusing, and in places apt. Thats it, criticism over – petty isn’t it? I am sure there should be more faults! (Okay, I didn’t like the fadeout to “Witch Queen”)
The reputation that follows Jamie and The Worried Men is totally justifiable. The Blues infused Rock and guitar work are flawless, as the differing techniques blend together into one amazing package. With a guitar orientated album it’s easy to forget the other elements, and one of the things that helps this album soar is the rest of the band. Obvious? Yes. But everything here is just right, and while the guitar work is amazing, the synergy between the band is spot on.
Irrespective of the style they flow and merge. “Postcards From Bedlam” merges old and new, effortlessly producing a package that just works. This is their 7’th album, and with anything from 3000 to 4000 live shows (and no two the same) under their belt, it looks as if they are gearing up to try and push their reputation and exposure further.
Track Listing
My Way
Further On Up The Road
The Thrill Is Gone
Play With Fire
Modesty And Willie
The Light That Faded
Boo Radley’s Porch
Nobody Loves Me
We’re Coming Home
I’m Not Like Everybody Else
Rova
Witch Queen Of New Orleans
Wake UP, Rocket Dog!
Links
http://www.theworriedmen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Worried-Men/449922578496368?fref=ts
Words By Jon.
