Despite the singular name Dixie Witch are an all male three piece who serve up bronco-bucking riff and roll. Drums, bass, guitar and vocals combine into a sound that’s the epitome of powerhouse ensemble playing. Paving slab heavy beats and pile-driving bass provide the bedrock over which the band’s new guitarist, Joshua “JT” Todd Smith, gives flight to his crunchy omnivore riffs and untamed solos.

It’s a record born out of old-fashioned touring, playing around clubs and festivals and gauging what works in front of a crowd. Not for these guys is the instant and often fleeting adoration that comes from being a hit on the trendier-than-thou blogosphere. This is a sound honed on the road, in the firing line, where you can get hurt. You either toughen up or you stop. Drummer/vocalist Trinidad Leal, and bassist/vocalist Curt “CC” Christensen have been making music together as Dixie Witch since 1999, with original guitarist Clayton Mills deciding to leave in 2009. It’s this marathon rather than a sprint approach which has resulted in the band’s continuation. As they state on their ode to good luck “Sevens” – “this is a travelling song / one where I belong / with my brothers and a dream.”

Title track “Let It Roll” starts the album off hard and heavy with its carpel-strengthening guitar workout. And from thereon in their brand of Americana is let loose through the remaining nine tracks, a barrage of metallic stoner rock and prime beef southern rock ‘n’ boogie. Sure it’s a blokey sound, and there’s sense of little light and shade, the pace and sonic attack unrelenting, but I get the feeling they’d not have it any other way. It’s unapologetically rock and freaking roll.

Don’t expect sensitivity, subtlety or “pity me, I’m down” introspection; this is an album for rocking out, for drinking warm cans of beer to, and for re-connecting with your inner rock-god. Horns of rock incarnate.

Follow @digsfletcher
Duncan is an indie music biz lifer, riverman, Telecaster player, Guinness drinker, and lover of psychedelic scouse, french pop, punk rock, et cetera, et cetera.

Spread the love:

•