Reviews

The Record Company’s All Of This Life

Posted by on July 24, 2018 at 8:11 am


By Brian Rock

The Record Company is back to business with their second release All Of This Life. Every bit as primal and energetic as their critically acclaimed debut, the new album confirms the band’s status as the most dynamic Rock trio since Cream. Playing their distinct brand of hard and heavy electric Blues, they incorporate the influences of Lightning Hopkins, Buddy Guy, The Animals, The Black Crowes and every band Eric Clapton ever played in.

“Life To Fix” sets the tone with intertwining bass and guitar lines, followed by tribal drumbeats and a haunting, chanting chorus. Dealing with universal Blues themes of regret and loneliness, they sing, “I’ve got this life to fix, threw it all out in a ditch. Broke it down when I was sick, I’ll build it back up brick by brick.” The driving, pulsating rhythms make sure you know the emphasis is on the last line of that statement.

The rest of the album tends toward the optimistic as well. Focusing on the power of Blues to overcome adversity, songs like “I’m Getting Better (And I’m Feeling It Right Now),” “Goodbye To The Hard Life,” “Make it Happen,” “Coming Home,’ and “I’m Changing,” point toward a brighter future. With lyrics like, “You want something, you got to go out and get it baby,” “I see the beauty, it’s no longer hiding,” and “Gonna make it right today, gonna take that pain away,” The Record Company reveals the rainbow that awaits after the rainstorm.

But it’s not just what they say, it’s how they say it. Lead singer Chris Vos conveys a confidence and swagger born of experience. He and bassist, Alex Stiff, and drummer, Mark Cazorla pack a musical punch that underscores that confidence. Musically, there is something distinctive to like in every song; from the harmonica in “I’m Getting Better (And I’m Feeling It Right Now) to the slide guitar in “Make It Happen,” to the beautiful balladry of “You and Me Now,” and the barrel house piano of “The Movie Song.” Each song rewards the listener through repeated playings.

Plugging in the Blues and turning it up to eleven, All Of This Life is eclectic, electric and delightfully hectic.

therecordcompany.net  |  fb  |  buy

Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

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