Gideon Smith & The Dixie Damned--Dealin' Decks
Scarey Records   2005

As the bottom feeding "pick your scene" mentality so predominant these days has proliferated to virtually every corner of the musical map, it has become nearly impossible to track down a sincere, resonating note anywhere. These times when all hope of truth in music seems lost are the exact moments you need to stumble across a guy like Gideon Smith. Sitting atop his solitary, swamp-surrounded throne as the rock n' roll shaman of this generation, Gid's lamentations on love lost, fallen brothers, and the cold metallic taste of daggers in the back are juxtaposed by the celebration of love's great healing power, the strength we all have inside to overcome life's pitfalls, and the beauty that comes when those powers are unlocked to us. With this Dealin' Decks EP, our captain is back once more with his Dixie Damned to remind everyone what the genuine article looks and sounds like. The results, as always, are magick.

One thing that has continually plagued
Gideon Smith & The Dixie Damned throughout the years is the improper tagging of their sound as "stoner rock," likely a perception based on who was releasing their output than anything else. On the contrary, at its core this music is pure hard rock, primarily in the mold of Circus Of Power. This base sound is mixed with so many different styles from across the board, it's often impossible to classify the band period. As far as being a frontman is concerned, make no mistake, though--Gideon Smith is in possession of the baton once held by Jim Morrison, Ian Astbury, and Zodiac Mindwarp. He is the biker poet laureate of our time, and yes, rock n' roll shaman.

All of these incredible traits would be wasted without great songs. Thankfully, that has never been a problem for
Gideon Smith & The Dixie Damned, Dealin' Decks being no exception. Kicking the disc off is "Dreamchaser." Driven by its lurching, ominous main riff, this one most recalls the aforementioned Circus Of Power. "Last Night On Mother Earth" does a fantastic job of channeling Sonic Temple/Ceremony-era Cult, while the grooved out "Blood And Fire" will likely be the fave amongst those expecting "stoner rock." On "Breakin' Hearts And Horses" a funky riff coupled with a shade of Sun Records croon adds up to the closest these guys will probably ever come to "Viva Las Vegas." "Disco Devil Forever" brings a prime Cramps/Gun Club slant to the table, bordering on psychobilly. Closing this amazing journey is the haunting, spare, acoustic number "Dionysus Child." Coming off as the sonic equivalent of shadows swirling around a medicine circle bonfire, this aural embrace ensures Dealin' Decks' enchantment won't fade after the final notes fall.

It's obvious every time you hear
Gideon Smith & The Dixie Damned that this is a man who has been close enough to his demons to shake their hands, then snapped their forearms in three places to escape that grasp and come out wiser on the other side. So many people these days are content to try and pose as the contrived, false idea of what a badass is. In reality, it is the man who can build people up best that is the most dangerous. It's clear Gid would rather see you win and help guide you to that place but who better to do the tearing down than a master architect when a wrong has been done. You can hear sacrifice in the grooves of Dealin' Decks--a trait sorely missing in the present musical climate, where the underground has become as sickening as the corporatized mainstream. These guys aren't towing anyone's line--just giving it to you straight. It's a listen that's beyond essential--it's damn near heroic.


           
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