She’s Automatic
Scamco, 2021
9/10
The Los Angeles rockers Cruzados return after a 30 year hiatus, and founding member, songwriter and bassist Tony Marsico is in excellent company that includes members of Little Caesar, as well as guests John Doe (X), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), David Hildalgo and Steven Berlin (Los Lobos) and Melanie Vannem (The Muffs), who accompany him across 11 rock’n’roll gems.
“On The Tilt A Whirl” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with thumping drums, spirited guitars and smooth yet gritty singing, and “Across This Ghost Town” follows with a rugged rocker that’s got plenty of crunchy melodies and strategic backing vocals.
In the middle, “Son Of The Blues” certainly brings some bluesy spirit amid a soulfulness that’s quite powerful, while “Sad Sadie” recruits acoustic guitar and some intimacy in the Americana influenced climate. “Long Black Car”, one of the album’s best, then finds plenty of rhythm and groove in its playful nature that showcases a tremendous amount of skill between the musicians.
Approaching the end, “54 Knockouts” benefits from brass and keys in its bouncy and driving pace, and the rowdy “Rock That Boat” exits with frisky harmonica and a fiery rhythm section guiding the sturdy rocker.
The core of the tunes here were recorded live, with the guests sometimes doing their portions at home, as Marsico and company cover everything from country to punk. A band who were criminally under appreciated during their most active point, Marsico does the Cruzados legacy proud with this 3rd album that tips it hat to the spirit of original members Marshall Rohner and Chalo Quintana, who passed away in 2005 and 2018.
Travels well with: The Rubinoos- The CBS Tapes; The Krayolas- Savage Young Krayolas