Dragnet
Omnivore, 2021
8/10
The legendary rock band NRBQ are back with their first album in 8 years, and they certainly make the effort worth the wait as all four members pen 10 originals and even include an interpretation of a classic TV theme song, too.
“Pebble From My Hand” starts the listen with the band’s multi-faceted version of rock making an indelible impression amid the cozy guitar, thumping drums and gritty vocals, and “I Like Her So Much” follows with a playful, oldies spirit that bounces and shakes with vocal harmonies and no shortage of melody.
Elsewhere, “You Can’t Change People” relies heavily on Adams’ fluid piano work alongside more cautious textures, while the title track buzzes with a dreamy quality that’s even got some country spirit. “That Makes Me A Fool”, one of the album’s best, then embraces jazz ideas in a very mature, romantic climate that further illustrates NRBQ’s eclectic arsenal.
Close to the end, “L-O-N-E Lone-Ly” offers a stylish, spoken word piece with bare keys, minimal percussion and a beat poet sort of delivery, and “Sunflower” exits the listen with folk influenced warmth and pretty, gentle guitar.
An outfit that began in 1969 and didn’t take a break until 2004, the band’s current line up of Terry Adams (keys), Scott Ligon (guitar) Casey McDonough (bass) and John Perrin (drums) continues their time honored tradition of jazz, rock, pop, folk, country and R&B ideas, where each track is well thought out, precisely executed and timeless in its nature.
Travels well with: Willie Nile- The Day The Earth Stood Still; Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street