Reverend Horton Heat
Space Heater
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Reverend Horton Heat
Space Heater
Interscope, 1998
RiYL: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Fleshtones, Faith No More, Mojo Nixon |
Not by any stretch a throwback to the days of Elvis and Carl Perkins, singer/guitarist Heat (that's Jim Heath, sinner) and his rhythm section, bassist Jimbo (Jim Wallace) and drummer Scott Churilla, have taken the southern swagger and driving tempos of rockabilly and forged a new path for it.
Once branded "psycho-billy," the trio has given its music yet another face on its new album, Space Heater. The sound of the record can best be described as futuristic Southern stomp music. Heat's modus operandi is to work out of traditional motifs, such as Rock-A-Billy, and carry them out with a swagger truly modern, which differentiates the band considerably from the dozens of neo-swing bands working more closely with the past.
The futuristic motif is carried by the album art, featuring band members seated in a spaceship made out of scrap metal. The music itself bears resemblance to other Heat albums, but spacy guitar tones and slight variations on the stomp rhythms go a long way in giving the album its own sonic style.
"Mi Amor" takes an almost-Flamenco approach, slowing down the rhythm and giving the Reverend a chance to take a guitar solo at a more relaxed pace and exercise his Spanish. Two songs later, however, "The Prophet Stomp" is a juke-joint instrumental with each of the players taking turns at a solo section (Heat wins, hands down).
For those who like rockabilly but get turned off by the genre's inherent repetitiveness, the Reverend might be the savior for whom you're looking. Space Heater is clearly recognizable for its roots but gives the listener a fresh trip through the Reverend's drunk, infectious, Texas-bred style of rock and roll.
TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.