[rating=6.00]
There is a ramshackle shagginess that wafts off of Banditos self titled debut album where electric boogie, folk picking and the blues all are warped through their distinct southern barroom lens. The band is fronted by by three voices (Corey Parsons-singer/guitarist, Stephen Pierce-singer/banjo and Mary Beth Richardson-vocals) who aren’t afraid to harmonize the group powers along on the back of rhythm section (Randy Wade-drums, Danny Vines-bass) and extra six strings (Jeffrey Slater-guitar).
The players ability to adapt to different styles is admirable but it is when they are in the boogie woogie shake and groove reminiscent of ZZ Top that they seem the most comfortable. Tracks like opener “The Breeze”, “Golden Grease” and “Can’t Get Away” all fit in this swaggering style where the band can cut loose without getting inventive and still feel energetic. “Still Sober (After All These Beers)” turns up the flame with a sparking jangle and urgency as does “Cry Baby Cry” scrambling in the ears punctuated by prominent piano runs.
A curveball comes when Richardson takes over lead vocals, first with the Americana “Waitin’” and more impressively with the show stopping spiritual takes on the torch song blues via “No Good” and “Old Ways”. The vocal power on display during these tracks is arresting, but also serves to disrupt the flow of the full album giving the sense that there are two (or more) bands amongst these Banditos.
Closer “Preachin’ To The Choir” increases the spookiness and lets metal-ish guitar leads ring, showing another trick in the band’s musical gunny sack. Whatever genre they are exploring it is clear these southern troubadours enjoy their musical roots and love to show all of them off, so pull up a barstool and enjoy.
