Rhythm Of The World
Omnivore, 2022
8/10
The legendary family singing outfit The Cowsills began their journey in 1965, and was composed of 6 siblings. By the early ‘70s, the band had amassed millions of records sold and plenty of singles that are still quite known today. However, they did break up, but also regrouped several times over the years, with some well done recordings up into the ‘90s.
Here, after nearly 30 years since their last recording, we’re treated to 11 new tunes, where Susan, Peter, Bob, Brandon, Paul, and Ryan Cowsill are all in attendance.
“Ya Gotta Get Up!” starts the listen with Paul and Susan on lead vocals, as warm guitars and Howard Kalan of The Turtles makes a cameo on the fluid power-pop, and “Lend A Hand” follows with Russ Broussard’s thumping drums and Mary Lasseigne’s skilled bass guitar in the swift and harmonic climate.
Entering the middle, “Nuclear Winter” benefits much from Ryan Cowsill’s proficient organ and synth in the ‘80s rock fueled delivery, while “Largo Nights” jangles a bit with congas present and several guitars complementing Bob’s smooth lead vocals amid the hazy textures.
Near to the end, “The Long Run” is quite dreamy and submerged in much beauty as Marr Lasseigne’s bass and Brendon’s acoustic guitar make a charming impression, and “Katrina” exits with a busy appeal that’s quite meticulous and radiates the incredibly timeless vocal work they built their career on.
The story of The Cowsills is one of highs and lows. But through it all, it’s always been about the music, and it sounds better than ever on this excellent come back record.
Travels well with: The Left Banke- Strangers On A Train; The Kinks- Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround Part One