CD Review

Seven years after its inadvertent formation, the Athens, GA-based “super group” Barbara Cue has released its third album [i[Rhythm Oil. Barbara Cue, the brain-child of Todd Nance (Widespread Panic) and William Tonks (Six String Drag), was initially born from their infatuation of NRBQ. This collection of musicians formed, what was meant to be, a one-night tribute, and unexpectedly evolved into an entity that would create something all its own.

Complementing Nance’s backbeat and Tonks on guitars, dobro, and lead vocals, Paul “Crumpy” Edwards (Bloodkin) and Jon Mills (Me ‘an Mills) platoon on bass and guitars. Meanwhile, Jeff Neff (formerly of Drive-By-Truckers) adds his blend of pedal steel and guitar.

Rhythm Oil serves up a range of energies. The bookends “Explode” and “Do You Read Me” are ideally positioned with their up-tempo beats. “Do You Read Me” has a touch of southern funk which brings Rhythm Oil to an upward conclusion. A relaxed, strolling ambiance meanders through the veins of Oil with tracks such as “Coach," “Walls," “Reasons," “Talking To Myself” and “New Name”. “Everywhere” makes a wonderful centerpiece drawing much deserved attention to itself as the apex of the album, heightened with a classic rock n’ roll resonance. Throughout, Neff’s pedal steel lends to the down-home vibe and Nance’s beat helps pick up the pace at various intervals. In spite of the varying energy, Rhythm Oil has a moody undertone that Tonks’ vocals accentuate.

Rhythm Oil strengthens with each journey through. What was an infatuation with NRBQ, Barbara Cue created a cohesion that ultimately wanted to illustrate its love of music.