Brace Yourself
VizzTone, 2022
9/10
Tim ‘Too Slim’ Langford (guitar, vocals), Zach Kasik (bass, vocals) and Jeff ‘Shakey’ Fowlkes (drums, vocals) treat us to 12 very energetic live tunes here, where their versatile blues touches on classic rock and Americana, among other ideas.
“Mississippi Moon” gets the listen off to a blistering start, with plenty of thick yet melodic blues rock that showcases strong guitar work and rugged singing, and “Fortune Teller” follows with thumping drums and fluid bass playing that’s also cautious, too.
Closer to the middle, “Givers And Takers” showcases a bit of intimacy in the classic rock sensibilities, while “Free Your Mind” shows traces of Bob Dylan’s early work in its subtle folk-rock nods.
Nearing the end, “Blood Moon” is all about power and melody in its dense moments that might remind you of Hendrix or Robin Trower, and “Good Guys Win” exits with plenty of psychobilly influences that help the very animated landscape be one of the album’s best.
You might also think of ZZ Top or Chuck Berry when listening to Brace Yourself, as Too Slim and company show us just why they’re one of the best blues outfits that exits today.
Travels well with: Too Slim And The Taildraggers- The Remedy; Johnny Burgin- No Border Blues