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Review: 'BARN DOOR SLAMMERS, THE'
'The Barn Door Slammers'   

-  Label: 'Ruben'
-  Genre: 'Folk' -  Release Date: 'July 2014'

Our Rating:
Whilst I am happy to give credit where it's due, I don't think that I've ever recorded a perfect score for a band who produce a debut album comprised primarily of instrumentals and entirely of cover versions. However, for those who think that I may have taken leave of my senses, the reverse is true. This is an album from a band whose zest, exuberance and above all ability to play and have fun at the same time mean that, in my book, this is a sure-fire smash.

The band formed two years ago and includes Dave Bamberger on stand up bass, Tommy Chiffon on drums, Todd Clinesmith on non-pedal steel guitar, Bret Ervin Lien on vocals, Kevin Healy on fiddle and mandolin, Jenn 'Huck' Huckins on fiddle and Dan Lowinger on electric guitar.

The album has eleven tracks on it, all falling within the Western Swing category. This means that the tracks on here are all in a style that pre-dates rock 'n' roll, whilst at the same time having the energy and power that primal rockabilly has (think a faster Bill Haley and The Comets after they've taken a shedload of moonshine and speed!).

The album's cover versions include tracks that were originally released by persons such as Bob Wills (1905 – 1975), Spade Cooley (1910 – 1969) who were both pioneers of the Western Swing genre, and also Jelly Roll Morton, whose 'Jelly Roll Blues' which is covered on this album was the first ever published jazz composition

As the album is composed of covers, there is no merit here in my discussion of lyrical content, but safe to say Bret Ervin Lien's vocals are spot on and the band manages to knock out some classic tunes with excellent musicianship. This album is aimed firmly at the audience's feet, and I can guarantee this will have you tapping your toes in no time. Further details of the band can be found here:

The Barn Door Slammers online

The Barn Door Slammers Facebook page

The album itself is available from:

The Barn Door Slammers at CD Baby

The band are hoping to tour the UK in 2015. On the strength of this album, I believe they will put on a spectacular live show. This album is pretty much essential.
  author: Nick Browne

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BARN DOOR SLAMMERS, THE - The Barn Door Slammers