The Gentlemen Bastards – The Gentlemen Bastards

The Gentlemen Bastards – The Gentlemen Bastards

Self released – 2012

Rock, Southern, Hard

Rated: ***

Here we are in Huntsville, Alabama where a spirit similar to that of the Ozarks roams free. Perhaps they eat a little less squirrel and they may only have a handful of methlabs. But it’s libertarian at its core. The typical independent, don’t mess with me kind of Americans that the Heartland is proud of. With a dash more of appreciation for their European roots and the characteristics of a border town community. For if you take the One down to Fayetteville you pass into Tennessee after only twenty miles. This breeds a very distinct kind of American; one that does not care about conventions and one that is proud it is able to make due with whatever is available. The Gentlemen Bastards show this ability on their self-titled debut album. They take the southern rock they grew up with; incorporate a little of that British Isle rock ‘n roll (which might be due to the Canadian drummer and the Icelandic bassplayer) and some heavy stuff they know the guys from Soundgarden of Clutch would dig. Polish it off a bit and soak for three weeks in a bath of beer and bourbon. Let it leak out above a smoky bbq and the dry airy drums start to shine. The steady truckin bass starts to simmer and the guitar begins to bleed classic riffs and unrestrained lines that would shake the foundation of any dusty watering hole. Add to this the fact the guys know how to construct a song and an off-center high pitched vocalist that absolutely convinces and you have a tasty recipe that honors the old guard and incorporates the new. A tasty regional dish of squirrel pot pie with some imported vegetables. And for those of you who never tasted squirrel: it’s simply delicious!

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