Polecat Boogie Revival--s/t CDEP
self-released 2004
In case you haven't heard, the mighty Hellstomper are no more. Needless to say, not having the punk rock Lynyrd Skynyrd around anymore is somewhat demoralizing. That said, the blow is considerably buffered by this Polecat Boogie Revival disc. Featuring 3/4 of Hellstomper, the boys have rallied to craft the next logical step to their musical journey, exceeding every high expectation one could have had for such output.
It's fair to say that if you liked Hellstomper you'll dig Polecat Boogie Revival. By the same token, this is a somewhat different beast you're dealing with. First off, Polecat Boogie Revival are a much tighter and polished outfit than Hellstomper were. Soundwise, the result is something fairly un-Skynyrd and much more Black Oak Arkansas filtered through the power Motley Crue possessed on their first two albums. The balls are still there, but King and crew definitely seem ready to take their rightful place on an arena stage.
Songwriting has never been an issue for these guys and it isn't on this 3 track Polecat Boogie Revival CDr, either. The goods are in fact delievered, starting with the jagged boogie of "NYC Blues." This cut is a nice way to ease diehards into the style of this new band, as it retains many Hellstomper hallmarks without loosening up too much. "Danville Ground" is the highlight of the disc and best captures all the promise in Polecat Boogie Revival--smooth, glossed coolness counterbalanced by the ornery Southern-fried energy you've come come to rely on these folks for. A cover of Warren Zevon's "Play It All Night Long" wraps things on an awe-inspiring note, the band giving a reverent yet original take on this tune.
In the end, Polecat Boogie Revival leaves you wondering just how bad a thing the Hellstomper split really was. There's one thing everyone who hears this will agree upon--three tracks just ain't enough. Cheers to these guys for having the courage to leave behind a sure thing and managing to find another. A very exciting listen. Get to work, dudes.
Score this CD directly from POLECAT BOOGIE REVIVAL
|
