Angel City OutcastsI was a big fan of the band's previous release, "Let It Ride," and since I've found out that Sailor's Grave Records would be releasing this album, I have been eagerly awaiting it's release. Just incase you may not have read my review for that album, I'll give you a little background info on these guys: They are from Los Angeles, CA. They formed in 2002. They play rock-n-roll influenced punk rock, influenced musically by some of the best punk bands, (Social Distortion, The Dropkick Murphy's, Screeching Weasel) to some of the finest rock-n-roll has to offer (AC/DC, Gun's and Roses) to the lyrical story telling of the infamous Johnny Cash. Okay, I think that just about covers everything.
These guys have the great ability to write a long song without you noticing it. Most of the 14 tracks on this album break the 4 minute mark, and actually the song "Horns And Halos" hits exactly 8 minutes long. Well, technically 6:42, but the song before it "Bleeding Heart Saloon" is a 1:18 long intro. You would think you'd be bored to death with half of the songs by the time the track hits 3 minutes, but nope. There are plenty of bluesy guitar solos, walking basslines, catchy hooks, and just overall great song structuring to keep your ADD at bay.
The last album really stuck out to me because of the band's ability to tell a story within their songs but also be able to write a straight up punk anthem to get your fists pumping to. And don't fret, there are plenty of story type songs. There's songs about enjoying your weekends while you have them, keeping fights out of shows, being at the bottom of a bottle, and all kinds of other rebel anthems. "Horns And Halos" is what "The Chase" was for me on their last effort.
The recording on this is just as boisterous as the band's soaring chorus hooks. The guitars have a very good diverse sound. The distortion is there when they need it, and if they need a nice little acoustic part, the guitar resonates in all of it's glory. The bass tone is phenomenal, there is just enough twang to compliment the warm pulsating sound. And there is plenty of room for the bass to roam about in the mix. The drums have a nice rich sound to them, they don't sound rigid at all. I couldn't have asked for better placement of the vocals in the mix. No complaints.
I enjoyed the band's previous layout quite a bit, and this one sure doesn't disappoint. This time however, the band goes back even further in time with the concept. It's a real cool Western theme throughout. The cover has some cool ass drawings: I really like the two skulls, one which has horns and the other with the halo, and upside down, torn up heart with a rattle snack wrapped around it looks just like a spade. Very cool. The booklet comes complete with all of the lyrics printed over the Deadrose Junction backdrop. There's also a cool page with all of the members head shots in an old western silhouette fashion, like the ones you get when you go to the beach or something and you pay 10 dollars or whatever for an old saloon shot.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Bleeding Heart Saloon-Cutthroat
Thesis: The perfect summer time album, something you can put on in the car with your boys and just howl away. Great song writing, great lyrics, and eye catching packaging makes this worth adding to your collection.