By Brian Rock
After winning the Norwegian Grammy for their debut Americana album, Embla and the Karidotters are ready to take on the world with their sophomore effort, Off Leash. Nothing is lost in translation here as the band pours out authentic honky-tonk and outlaw country that would be the envy of any Texas road house. Bandleader, songwriter, singer, and guitarist, Embla Karidotter follows the modern high energy country template laid down by Lydia Loveless and Jaime Wyatt. Her stellar bandmates impress with a steady stream of catchy riffs and rhythms as they bring Karidotter’s stories to life in authentic country tones.
“Bad Influence” starts the set with a fiery spaghetti western/cow punk fusion. Exhilarating and haunting at the same time, a ringing Telecaster splashes minor key chords against a furious drum rampage. Against this sonic backdrop, Karidotter sings, “They say I’m a bad influence just ‘cause I don’t know how to make amends. If I do something that I regret, I do something even worse to forget.” Fully aware of her own faults, she revels in the temporary good feeling of bad decisions. Like a siren tempting unsuspecting sailors, she beckons others to join her; “If you want to have a good time, what about giving a call one day?” The throbbing beat and surging rhythm make it hard to resist, even though she’s, “been to hell and back too many times.” Perdition or pleasure may lie in her wake, “But if you went too far, had too much fun, you know who to blame.” Like temptation itself, the song is irresistible.
“Click Your Heals,” captures the feel of Jaime Wyatt’s “Rattlesnake Girl.” Pedal steel strands add honky-tonk flair as Karidotter’s pounding drums hammer home the point that if someone finds themselves in an unhealthy relationship they can, “Just click your heels together three times and say, ‘I don’t like it here, take me away’.” “I Need Some Light,” alternates between the exotic romance of the Hawaiian Islands and the chaotic energy of a Texas bar fight. “Bluebird,” captures the lively alt country vibe of Lydia Loveless. “Put Me First,” slows the pace in a yearning honky-tonk plea for recognition and respect. Abruptly shifting gears, “Impending Doom,” combines pedal steel and frenetic Jazz rhythms to celebrate the euphoria of losing yourself in love. “Couldn’t Care Less,” adds a soulful horn section to a cow punk rhythm section to celebrate the righteous anger of a bitter break up. Karidotter fights against social expectations with wit and humor on the lilting alt country of, “Resting Bitch Face.” The band turns to straight up honky-tonk on, “I’ll Never Love You (Like I Should).” Capturing the essence of country blues, Karidotter sings, “I understand if you want to leave. I would leave myself if I could.” The dreamy, “Affirmations” closes the album like a gently lullaby. Recalling the yearning ballads of Tammy Wynette and Connie Francis, Karidotter reminds her lover that, “Being emotional doesn’t make you weak.” From ballads to outlaw country to cow punk, the band captures the spirit of country in all gears. With gritty, honky-tonk rhythms and evocative vocals, Embla and the Karidotters are the best thing to come out of Norway since Anna & Elsa.
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Brian Rock
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