Crankshaft is an artist that immediately grabbed my attention when I saw some of his videos as a one-man band on YouTube. Well, with this album he again immediately grabs my attention although now he is backed by a rhythm section (The Gear Grinders). The first track "When the Sun Goes Down" is an upbeat greasy blues tune that will get you shaking what you got. Another great example of that greasy blues sound is "Fill It Up." This song is about what happens to his special lady's slice on the side when the narrator finds out she has been untrue.
The band is based in the blues, particularly the gritty garage sort of blues, but it shows some range. "Trail of Tears" is the sort of blues you expect to hear from someone's back porch while "I Wanna Play" (one of those great songs about not wanting to grow up) incorporates some heavy-duty New Orleans influence. "Kingpin" is a great song not just because it is about falling for a woman at the bowling alley, but also because it brings Junior Wells (specifically "Messin' with the Kid") to mind. The band also incorporates some rock into its sound, especially in "Don't Leave."
I really enjoy Crankshaft's one-man band stuff, but he definitely gets a fuller sound with a rhythm section behind him. This is a great album that combines greasy blues with a gritty garage rock sound. If you're a fan of garage blues, this is an album you should add to your collection.
Comments