Got to see the mighty River City Tanlines about a month ago, and it was a hell of a show. So, let's talk about 'em, shall we?
Born from the ashes of, well, a hell of a lot of bands, it's interesting to note that lead singer/guitarist Alicja Trout has played with Lost Sounds (Jay Reatard's band, of course), Limes, Harlan T. Bobo, and Jack Oblivian (amongst many others), so her cred's already solid, for those who care about such things.
Stepping out on her own, Ms. Trout and her cronies have forged a killer new rekkid, Coast to Coast (on fave rave label Big Legal Mess). It's a corker, a round-house rawk 'n' roll slab. Backed by Terrence Bishop and John Bonds, Trout cranks out nervy Runaways meets AC/DC geetar sludge and sunshine vocals, sweetened with vinegar and honey pot buzz. Girl band candy melody (like short and spiky "Can You Handle This Heart") collide with car-crash hot rod buzzsaw speed for demons rhythms and Flying V histrionics. "Can't Stand You Anymore" is a 50's ode to the ultimate kiss-off, complete with hand-claps and raging pissed-off Ronettes-style go-go power.
In an alternative universe the tracks "Pretty Please" and "Stop My Heart" would both reside at the top of the charts, all motorcycle rubber burned love and hate, high-school bad girl who kicks more ass than you could ever hope to do!
River City Tanlines: Pretty Please (mp3)
Keep on Rawkin' in the free world!
