Out Of Line
Gulf Coast, 2024
9/10
The label debut for the New England blues/roots outfit The Wicked Lo-Down, the 13 lively tracks welcome Mike Zito and Monster Mike Welch to the raw and animated landscape.
The rowdy and powerful spirit of “Kill Me Or Keep Me” starts the listen with Nick David’s soaring pipes alongside Nick Toscano’s acrobatic drumming, and the energy continues to the gritty melodies of the anthemic “Marchin’ On”, where Brad Hellen’s playful bass won’t go unnoticed.
Further along, Zito’s meticulous guitar licks populate the bouncy title track, while “Toxic” places Welch on guitar for the densely rhythmic climate that buzzes with intrigue.
Deeper yet, “You Don’t Know Me” makes great use of David’s glowing harmonica and Paul Size’s sturdy guitar, and “I Just Can’t Make It” exits with a thick and chugging bluesy rocker that’s infectious and will get your body moving to the extraordinary songwriting.
Both the covers and originals sizzle here, as The Wicked Lo-Down comfortably make a home for themselves alongside some of the most luminous blues artists today.
Travels well with: Mike Zito- Life Is Hard; Johnny Rawls- Walking Heart Attack