The Ransom Brothers - Resurgence (Album Review)

Austin Texas is a hot bed for music these days. And in this particular case, the music is a combination of rock, red dirt country, southern rock, blues and pop. The Ransom Brothers defy catagories. They use fiddles and harmonicas. They play loud guitars and Hammond B-3s. These are guys who love to rock out and they are hard to define. "Jesus Dancing" is a an uptempo pseudo-religious romp that immediately unites the rockers and the outlaws. "East Side" switches gears to a more heartland rock sound that combines gospel and soul. The piano is yet another well played instrument in a wide arsenal. Lead Singer Sean McHargue establishes a rebellious tone as he belts out various well written lyrical musings. The song evolves into a melodic jam band, everything and the kitchen sink moment. "Baby Doll" and it's cold vocal intro is followed by more soulful singing and the merger of country, pop and R&B. "Guillotine" is mid-tempo rock radio material. Vocally brisk with a blazing fiddle and a robust crescendo of stringed instruments that build as the song progresses. "Back To Today" is more on the red dirt country side of things but still retains that multi-instrument richness. The hook is big like 90's country with an alternative rock flavor. "Charlene" rocks that harmonica and nurses a Dylan sized hangover. This band isn't just throwing tunes together hoping they work. These guys are serious. But there is a simplicity and humility in every song. This is where jam band meets country and southern rock. The results are one-of-a-kind. I could jam to this over and over again. By the way, Charlene is too old for this guy. "The Pot and The Kettle" melds southern rock with pop and gets more kudos for uniqueness and accessibility. Guitar solo included. "One Night In Charlotte" is old school country music that tells an epic story. Extended fiddles and acoustic guitars mingle for a more than ordinary torch burner. "Shut Up" forges various guitar forms into a southern rock anthem who's lyrics will zap your brain long after the last chord zings. "Fighting For Air" is a melodic southern rock meets classic country hook. Each song is both familiar sounding but original in its presentation. "Decatur" is an incredible ballad that accelerates into a mid-tempo rocker with all of the country and southern rock sensibilities still in place. The story is more than enough to get the attention of someone who still cares about well written songs. The fiddles and lead guitar play off each other recalling a time when this kind of music was mainstream on rock stations in the late 70's. "Black Flags" rounds out this incredible set as a last stand for outlaws looking for shelter. Guitars blazing. Vocals soaring. Volume knob busted off. Super big mention to fiddler John Thomas and drummer Austin Wilson. And the lead guitars of Daniel Solis. This band has the chops in addition to the authentic, hard to pigeon-hole sound. A monster work. 12 dangerously good format busting songs...

Album Rating 9.9