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The Mike Reilly Band - Ol'
Knuckleheads - Atlas
Records
Mike Reilly
is one of those great guitarists who you've likely never heard of,
but with the release of Ol' Knuckleheads, things should
change. The fourth release from the Mike Reilly Band, Ol'
Knuckleheads is packed with blues, rock, jazz, and country
flavors, all of them driven by Reilly's stinging guitar and robust
vocals. Reilly clearly has what it takes, and he delivers on all ten
tracks of the CD.
"Bang,
Bang, Bang" kicks things off with a swampy, kicking groove and an
engaging chorus, while "Living On Love" is funky R&B. The
powerful "Come Back to Haunt You" allows Reilly to display the full
range of his riffs - the tone he achieves is reminiscent of Dickey
Betts, circa 1973. Elvin Bishop's "Party Till the Cows Come Home"
lets Reilly and the band kick out some serious blues, while their
version of Gregg Allman's "Queen of Hearts" shimmers in its beauty,
thanks to Reilly's timely, delicate licks this one is the highpoint
of Ol' Knuckleheads. "I Forget to Forget You" is raw-boned
and sparse, and a centerpiece for Reilly's earthy vocals. Ol'
Knuckleheads closes out with a special treat "Lamar's Tune" was
written by the late Allman Brothers/Sea Level bassist, and with a
guest appearance by Great Southern's Dan Toler, the guitar work on
this one is
extraordinary.
Ol'
Knuckleheads is a solid album from a band that is truly
establishing its sound. - John Lynskey |
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