Swampdawamp keeps on rolling along on their third release Rock This Country. I have always enjoyed this band’s brand of rock-country and blues influenced music. They come across as the guys next door that enjoy spinning a tune and sending out a homegrown message to anyone within earshot. And they do it all exceptionally well.
This band has developed some consistency over the last few years and part of that is the fact that they stayed together long enough to jell and hit their stride. They have developed a recognizable trademark sound, particularly with the rough and tumble vocals from front man Gig Michaels.
Rock This Country fulfills the objective of the title on all 12 tracks. Some of the highlights include “Helluva Night”, which is like sensuality with grit if you will and the train-on-the-loose rocking title track sets the standard for the entire release.
I like the way this band tells it like it is without a second thought. A perfect example of that confidence and knowing who they are is “American Man”, a straight up rocker with lyrics that make a statement. Michaels sings about riding in his Chevy with his shotgun and then follows that up with by saying “I am an American and proud of it.” "Daddy Said” is about as natural and every day as mom and apple pie. They like to sing about old fashioned values and being true to thy self.
So besides being a killer rockin’ bunch of southern boys they come at you with some catchy filled guitar lines and everyday people lyrics set to some foot stompin’ grooves that you will want to hear more than once, and that is a promise.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 22, 2009
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