THE KYLE GASS BAND – Thundering Herd
- Posted on 23-08-2016
Electric rock ‘n’ roll with a lot of Southern/ jam-band charm on this album "Thundering Herd" from Los Angeles, California’s The Kyle Gass Band. Right out of the gate you get a lot of Molly Hatchet and Allman Brothers Band feel in terms of the twin guitar antics and boogie rhythms for opener "Cakey", while the follow up "Regretta" is a high octane highway ready number, Mike Bray as vocalist/guitarist playful in his delivery while allowing his bandmates a chance to flex their groove/jam skills during the instrumental portions.
Kyle Gass is known best as one half of Tenacious D, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he felt the need to assemble another round of killer musicians during his down time and develop this original group. At other times you feel like you are listening to some older AC/DC if put through a Southern rock grinder, "Bring Her Back Better" one of the catchier numbers in this regard. Keeping most of the songs at reasonable 2:30-4:00 junctures allows the listener a chance to latch onto a number of tracks instantly, then get right onto the next idea. "Uncle Jazz" features harmonica and a lighter keyboard/bass textures, a more laid back affair that brought to mind aspects of Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan.
A sense of humor of course permeates lyrics for "Mike Bray (Don’t Drink the Water)" which warns of what can happen to body functions when out on the streets in less than desirable areas, as the slower, piano-oriented tale rolls on by – or a narrative meets musical tale called "Gypsy Scroll II Toot of the Valley" where the twin guitar harmonies towards the conclusion rival the best Thin Lizzy work from the 70’s. 11 songs in 37 minutes, "Thundering Herd" is a fun album to take in when you like 70’s oriented rock with acoustic/electric balance and great instrumental moments – take a bow The Kyle Gass Band.