Florence and the Machine Serve Up a Delicious High Drama Stew

Crescendo is the best word to describe Florence and the Machine's "Hunger". From her voice to the band's goosebump inducing playing, crescendos are the order of the day. Florence herself emits some emotionally raw lyrics on the subject of love that should give us all cause to reflect on our own relationships. Take for instance the following poetry: "At seventeen, I started to starve myself. I thought love was a kind of emptiness and at least I understood then the hunger I felt and I didn't have to call it loneliness." The chorus is vintage knock it out of the park Florence, teeth armed for bear, summing up a key tenet of the human condition..."We all have a hunger. That hunger being for love, unconditional and pure. Florence goes on to punch out some additional go for the jugular lyrics that put the dirty back in down and dirty. "Tell me what you need, oh you look so free. The way you use your body, baby, come on baby work it for me. Don't let it get you down, you're the best thing I've ever seen. We never knew the answer but we knew one thing. We all have a hunger." Isabella Summers gives it her all on keyboards as if this were the last time we'd ever hear her instrument ever again. Loren Humphrey gives it her all on the drums. Definite spookiness to be found within her skin. As a unit this band puts together emotions that would put Shakespeare to shame. Florence has her pipes in fine fettle. She doesn't waste a single note and it shows. The video bursts with color and vitality and showcases the best part of her, writhing tendencies and all. She gets in your face and lets you know she means business with a capital "B". A good Florence effort always comes rife with high class drama, the kind that comes with smashed plates and slammed doors in most relationships that feel the sting of heat of the moment arguments. She always comes to the table with histrionics at the ready. Any modern couple in relationship troubles should relate to what message Florence is putting out. In summation "Hunger" is good to the last bite. Be sure to pack lots of napkins though. This one's messy.

The Big Gun Show Not Engaging Us In A Screw Job

The Big Gun Show's live rendition of Screw Job really does hit all the right notes for Saxon Pub enthusiasts. Gunter's singing has never been more smoky and accessible. The guitar work at the bridge is nothing short of top notch, the kind of thing Saxon Pub pub crawlers crave. As usual the harmonies gel nicely, not a note out of place or wasted efforts put forth. The drumming is a combination of laid back and authoritative. He bats the sticks like he owns the place. Just look at the smirk on his face while he's at work. He knows his stuff and doesn't mind telling you how much of a legend in his own mind he thinks he is. This band is the epitome of easy going but never complacent. They always give the people what they want in spades and it really pays off for them in spades. Whoever was at the Saxon Pub that night definitely got its money's worth. Liquor appears to be a common theme in its work, with bourbon and gin taking center stage here. Saxon Pub attendants should feel right at home with that concept. Nursing that gin and tonic while bemoaning a lost love sounds like familiar territory for anybody frequenting the facility. Maybe bring a few friends for a joint misery loves company session. Pretzels in the snack bowl. Good old cold beer on tap in the fridge for anyone whose tastes run to Budweiser rather than a smashing zinfindel or harder than hard liquor. Having corresponded with the man himself I can tell you Gunter would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him for it. His band has the mojo needed to rope in repeat customers time and again. I am proud to have reviewed this band's many tracks each one a sonic revelation of epic proportion. If you haven't checked them out by now, what are you waiting for? You're missing out on a good thing in full flower.

Knocked Loose A Bit Too Lifeless For My Taste

Oldham, Kentucky's own Knocked Loose knows its way around Cookie Monster vocals. Just ask vocalist Bryan Garris. He's got the whole thing down pat throughout the band's "Deadringer" a showcase for Kevin "Pacsun" Kane's skin work. Lamentably it's the only really strong aspect of the song. The vocals are too gruff too be palatable. The pacing is uneven at times which detracts from the listener's ability to have a chance to truly appreciate the artistry at work here. Macabre lyrics like "I have dreams of dancing with the dead but my feet won't keep the tempo. A circus of ants. My feet won't follow suit. My tombstone was made at birth. My coffin is on my back. Wrapped in chains I carry burden. Dressed in chains I carry burden. Dressed in tarnished rags I carry burden." Very heavy stuff to absorb. The musicianship does gel well but its a shame the content is so garbled that you don't get a clear enough picture of what could have been a rewarding experience. I feel sorry that I couldn't serve up a nicer review given the potential for greatness is there. It really has a tight sound when it sets its mind to do so. Kevin Otten lays down some cool bass riffs that, again, are wasted on material that is not up to snuff. Isaac Hale lead guitar and vocals add some zip to the proceedings. He's got what it takes to thrive on the stage at this level but again the material isn't up to the level on display. Cookie Monster vocals are so new millennium. A modern upgrade would be nice but I don't see one coming for this group. Not if "Deadringer" is any indication.

The Big Gun Show Shows How Battle Tested It Is Throughout "More The War"

The Big Gun Show channels imagery of long dusty roads where the tire tracks tell the story. Stranded on a back road with a brother taking both the roads taken and not. What I like about this effort is the cohesive combination of instruments on display. For starters you've got this gorgeous harmonica that sounds like it could have been plucked straight off of the Grand Ole Opry stage. Its mellow pacing sets the stage for the contemplation that follows. The drumming is slow and methodical, the perfect tempo for a song about a woman who can be so hard to deal with. The bass guitar certainly merits swoon worthy praise. Dripping in its own beefy juices, it brings a lot to The Big Gun Show party. Blends nicely with the superb drumming on full display. It too motors along at just the right pace for grand reflection. You could easily spend any number of weeknights down at the local watering hole drowning your sorrows to this effort. Then there's Gunter, our master of ceremonies, spinning the yarn to top all yarns. His voice bears the scars of somebody who's been battle tested on more than one occasion and lived to tell the tale. He doesn't appear to be keeping any pent up aggression pent up inside though. Definitely a roll with the flow type of individual to tell you the truth. Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. The acoustic guitar strums with laid back aplomb. You are eased into "More Than War" gracefully rather than being shoved into the deep end of the pool and made to swim for it. Ten seconds into the song a resounding thump takes over the proceedings, full of fire and brimstone, ready to take on all comers. There's a cautionary tale about how a man don't take to drink unless a mean woman drove him to it. Harsh words but with a ring of reality. This makes the tempo all the more appropriate. Again the reference to nursing a glass of the bartender's finest and engaging in a little pity party. As the song motors along you get into a settled groove where you know what comfort zone is all about. The Big Gun Show never tries to shake you off its trail. The boys want you in on their action. They want you to bask in their orbit, kick the tires, see what you can glean from that new car smell. Gunter is a great narrator, fully equal to the task of doling out the gospel of heartbreak. Gunter earns respect on so many levels. His scars tell the story. "More Than War" represents one large bombshell of musical goodness. You should check it out.

Behind The Barn Some Sexual Heat Can Be Found Courtesy Of The Big Gun Show

Feeling frisky? Then queue up some "Behind The Barn" from The Big Gun Show. What's on display is a potpourri of harmonies ranging from smashing drums to guitar licks to even a smattering of piano. It's all done in the service of a song where the heat is palpable. Gunter spins the yarn of going back behind the barn for some escapades of a promiscuous nature. I can't praise The Big Gun Show enough for throwing down a track where you just add wine and afterglow for a winning formula that lingers long after the evening ends. The mixture of bawdiness and barnstorming floats across the port bow with tremendous results. Drum wise the mood spirals to epic proportions. Each beat resounds with stunning clarity that makes the listener wonder if there is a chance the party could go on until 3 AM at the very least. The smoke rising from the guitar fret would tantalize even the most hardened of listener. Whether your choice of companion is blonde or brunette "Behind The Barn" is a wonderful come hither sort of ditty that just asks for jeans to be rumpled in a big wad on the floor. The song wouldn't be out of place on a jukebox in some halcyon days honky tonk, air filled with the lingering waft of decades old cigarette smoke. All the same The Broken Spoke would be a suitable home for this track alongside a platter of the famous chicken fried steak and a cold beer. The chord progressions make the song crackle and pop like nobody's business. When the piano kicks in later on you get the feeling these boys know how to blend class with their Coors Light. The bridge is nothing short of electrifying. You know you have a track for the ages when the bridge feels just right. In fact it's just as important an element to song as the notorious hook line that stays embedded in your brain for eons and won't let go. Call it the palate cleanser that comes before the main course. "Behind The Barn", upon repeated listening, loosens inhibitions, gets tongues rolling out of heads,and makes celebrating sexuality oh so inviting. Gunter has crafted a persona that smacks of worldly experience in the art of the fairer sex. He should be very proud of that. I know I am.

The Big Gun Show Ain't Nobody's Bitch

Powerhouse rock comes to the table in spades in "Bitch" off of the native Austinites "Shaken Not Stirred" effort. The drumming rips like a house on fire. The guitar playing is about as raw as your favorite T-Bone steak. I mean this is classic meat off the bone stuff that demands a doggie bag or three. The bridge guitar work would appeal to even the most jaded critic. Takes you back to your high school pin-up days when you had Farrah Fawcett posters on the wall. The "Bitch" in question has been put on notice that she's not to cause any friction to the protagonist in question or face divine retribution otherwise. What I like most about the drumming in addition to what I've said earlier is the ferocity with which it gets knocked out of the park. This is high adrenaline stuff of the highest caliber. Gunter's voice is ass kicking. No problem taking names here. Gunter and his band are master craftsman of the highest order. Each member of the group knows his place in the pecking order and executes beautifully. It's as if the boys knew each other for eons. I like the barroom appeal of it. Out of the gate that guitar drum mixture is potent like a chemical too toxic for the open market. The big smile blood red lips imagery will be in your head for days. Need cheering up. The I am woman hear me roar motif is infectious. Can't you just sense the shit eating grin on Gunter's face? The perfect round behind needs no explanation I wouldn't suppose. Gets Gunter hot and bothered to say the absolute least. The guitar backdrop serves as ideal testosterone fuel. The classic girl falls for other guy storyline gets its due of course. It is practically a staple of the rock genre. In bed legs above head leaves little to the imagination. Then again I'm guessing that was the point. "Trouble in stereo" strikes an amusing chord. Never heard that expression before. I probably think it will be the last. Don't see it getting much traction. Shame on the titular bitch for causing troubles. "Running downtown all stripped down," is classic boy toy material. The bitch in question will "never be like Mama was." Am supposing that's a good thing. Instrumentally, like I said, it's the total package. The boys are in fine fettle. Add "Bitch" to your i-Pod shuffle. You won't be disappointed.

When I'm Gone Should Never Be Forgotten

The Big Gun Show really hits new heights of sonic ecstasy on When I'm Gone" which is a delightful romp about a man's claim to his lady that she'll miss him when he's gone. The drumming on display here is phenomenal. Each lick is stupendous and gives the track some pep that cannot, nay, will not be denied. The crunch is this side of phenomenal. Hear it on a primal level and get very inspired indeed. It will take you to the heights of aural decadence. I love how the drum beats resort to trickery to build on momentum accrued over the course of the track. Gives it true macho snarl that the women will totally lap up seeing as how there never does seem to be enough good men to go around. Guitar wise there is no let up in the intensity level at all from start to finish. It's as if somebody pushed the throttle to fourth gear and refused to let go. The playing doesn't let up at all in intensity, a tribute to the guitarist's mojo. Really nails it on multiple levels. Insert your favorite brew pub here and let the drinks start pouring in earnest. As a unit The Big Gun Show has a patent locked up on its brand of roadhouse rock. The pacing of "When I'm Gone" is electrifying. No shrinking violets these lads. They get right to the meat of the matter and do so with bravado. There's no lack of adrenaline at work here. It cuts its way through each nook and cranny of the track, taking the listener on a tour de force of wonderful playing that leaves no stone unturned. How marvelous the group is when they gel together as a combined unit. Each player acquits himself beautifully, lending his talents to the dance. The momentum, once it gets rolling is unstoppable. These boys come to the dance prepared to rock out and never let up for any reason. They love what they do and it shows. What conquering heroes they are. It's a beautiful thing to watch. When these guys are on fire there's no stopping them. Beautiful thing to hear and behold. There's a party going on and you're all invited. "When I'm Gone" hits home on chord progression as well. Each note is a supercharged bundle of cosmic energy just waiting to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. The good vibes go on for ages which serves the song excellently. What's your favorite beer? That'll go great with this outing. The Big Gun Show dazzles at every turn and the results are amazing. Check them out why don't you?