The Last Camaro
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The long running Twin Cities outfit The Rockford Mules return with their first new in music in over a decade, where The Last Camaro heads straight in the ‘70s with its balance of beauty and grit.
“Leave The Dirt On” opens the quick listen and wastes no time making an impression with the crisp drums and thick guitars that suite the rugged singing, and “Sweet Highway Mile” follows with buzzing guitars and a charged climate that’s both raw and melodic.
The middle spot belongs to the thumping intensity of “Gringo”, where swirling guitar and vocal harmonies help make this the album’s best, while “Honeydripper” carries hints of psychedelic flavor amid the animated guitar and versatile singing. The title track exits the listen, and is a more intimate affair that utilizes graceful piano and poetic singing for the soft versus loud dynamics of the powerful finish.
The Rockford Mules have shared the stage with legends like Soul Asylum, Lucero and Fu Manchu, who they certainly draw comparisons to, and let’s hope that it isn’t too much longer before more new tunes arrive, cause these throwback rock tunes certainly are appreciated.
Travels well with: The Scarlet Goodbye- Hope’s Eternal; Kevin Bowe- Half Past Never