Elliot Randall & The Deadmen – Caffeine & Gasoline
If you’re anything like me, you saw the name of the band and instantly thought that this would be a cool album. You’re right. If you’re not familiar with Elliot Randall, check out last year’s review of his 2007 debut album, Take The Fall. Well, Elliot is back in 2010, and he’s back in a big way. He’s got the same band; Kyle Caprista on drums & vocals; James Deprato taking care of the guitar, banjo and mandolin; and Danilo Lopez with bass & vocals. Only this time, they’ve taken on a kick-ass name. He’s also enlisted a well known producer in David Simon-Baker, and brought in a guest keyboard appearance by the one and only Jackie Greene. Pretty cool right? Well, let’s get down to business.
In 2007′s Take The Fall, Randall introduced us to his brand of outlaw-country/rock/Americana music. This brand would prove to be strong, and complimented his coming-of-age songwriting perfectly. Where Take The Fall showed us a young man trying to find his way through life, love, and music, Caffeine & Gasoline presents a guy who knows where he’s going, how to get there, and what to sound like, so get the hell out of his way.
The album starts out with the title track, which works perfectly. A hard, twangy guitar riff leads it off, and Elliot jumps in to tell the tale of hitting the road. The song gives me the feeling of being on the run. Running from one place to the next, leaving nothing but a trail of used women and smokey barrooms in the rearview mirror. I picture this making a really kick-ass video, and hopefully I’ll get at least a producer credit for the visual I just provided. [Cough, Wink] Just saying. Randall keeps the tempo moving well with Oh Miranda, the second track, about a woman trying to make it big and struggling with the trials and tribulations that come with getting there. Good Love shows Randall’s talent as a humorous singer-songwriter who can craft a great story, back it with some great music, and keep it light. I assume that opening for Hayes Carll couldn’t have hurt in developing such skills. It’s cool to see Randall’s development go a bit further on Chasing My Tail. This track really sums up the ruts that we can find ourselves in, spinning in circles, sticking our foot in the same puddle, swearing never to do it again, then doing it again. He’s still got the ability to write the slower, deeper, and more meaningful tunes, as proven with Casanova, but the up-beat tracks on this album have some real attitude that make this thing kick-ass in my eyes. The closing track, Judgement Day, might be my favorite song on the album for just that reason. There are 11 tracks in total, and I could’ve easily mentioned them all, but I don’t want to spoil all the fun.
Caffeine & Gasoline
Good Love
Chasing My Tail
Judgement Day
All in all, this thing is a real rocker, and it’s a great way to start the year. The album will be released on February 9th, so make sure to get a hold of it HERE. Additionally, the guys are kicking off the supporting tour tomorrow. Peep the dates, and go see a show:
January 28, 2010 – Riverside Bar & Grill – Red Bluff, CA
January 29, 2010 – Vintner’s Cellar Custom Winery – Redding, CA
January 30, 2010 – Mamma Llama Coffeehouse – Weaverville, CA
February 5, 2010 – Armando’s – Martinez, CA
February 6, 2010 – Hard Rock Cafe – Sacramento, CA
February 11, 2010 – Bocci’s Cellar – Santa Cruz, CA
February 12, 2010 – Pappy & Harriets Palace – Pioneertown, CA
February 18, 2010 – Blue Laguna Lounge – Laguna Beach, CA
February 19, 2010 – House of Blues Salvation Alley – San Diego, CA
February 20, 2010 – Molly Malone’s – Los Angeles, CA
February 26, 2010 – Ukiah Brewing Company – Ukiah, CA
February 27, 2010 – Six Rivers Brewery – McKinleyville, CA
February 28, 2010 – Lagunitas Brewing Company – Petaluma, CA
March 6, 2010 – Cafe Du Nord – San Francisco, CA
March 12, 2010 – Shanachie Pub – Willits, CA
March 13, 2010 – Blue Lake Casino – Blue Lake, CA
Also, check out the promo video & links below:
We’ll See Ya Later,
Brain
