Come On Angels!
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
A Philadelphia outfit with an affinity for the early days of rock’n’roll, Mighty Joe Castro & The Gravamen turn in an excellent debut album here, where exceptional layering, no shortage of beats and very meticulous guitars resonate across these 10 tunes.
“There Are No Secrets Here” starts the listen with much attention to mood as retro-rock’n’roll flows with a calm guitar line, brushed percussion and light keys, and the title track follows with upbeat acoustic strumming alongside bright vocals from Castro on the Americana fueled fun that tips its hat to Richie Valens.
In the middle, “For Every Setting Sun” resides closer to balladry, where a throwback quality adds much to the reflective, waltz climate, while “June (90 Degrees)” shuffles with a rockabilly and bluesy spirit as vivid storytelling highlights the delivery. “Why Not Just Give In This Time?”, the album’s best, then recruits a dance friendly approach to the ultra-melodic landscape that just might have you digging out your Buddy Holly records.
As we near the end, “Angeline” burns slow initially before building into a swift, atmospheric throwback rocker, and “You’ve Got It All (So What Are You Looking For?)” exits the listen with some of the best singing amid the more country influenced execution.
Castro has a long history of playing music in bands like The Situation and The Lift Up, but took a hiatus after suffering burnout from the industry. After his wife gave him an acoustic guitar and he found his singing voice his interest in music reemerged, and this chapter of his musical life began.
A top notch interpretation of rock’n’roll’s past, If they ever remake the movie The Outsiders, it would be wise to have Mighty Joe Castro & The Gravamen soundtrack it, as their aesthetic, vision and quality of song craft certainly warrants it.
Travels well with: The Delta Bombers- Pressure And Time; JD McPherson- Undivided Heart & Soul