DAN BAIRD & HOMEMADE SIN Circus Life
Jerkin’ Crocus Promotions
These guys are 75% of the original Georgia Satellites and 25% of Jason & The Scorchers which info should give a clue to this band’s music – loud, sweaty, shit kicking, good time rock ‘n’ roll which, if you are old enough, will immediately transport you back to those heady days of The Faces, early Stones, Deep Purple and AC/DC etc. Baird’s vocals are strong, the twin guitars of Baird and Warner Hodges weave well together and feel for the music is everything. Opener Fall Apart On Me features a steady beat, gritty chords, chiming guitars, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and louche vocals from Baird as the party starts here. Speedy country style guitar licks from Warner Hodges and thunderous double time drums from Mauro Magellan propel the frantic Little Darlin’. It’s All The Same is a song about breakups as Baird hears another “sad, sad song on the radio”. The heartfelt and bluesy ballad Thousand Little Pieces is a highlight with outstanding melodic lead guitar from Hodges and emotive vocals from Baird. As I listen to this album I hear touches of southern rock and another band which comes to mind is Crazy Horse and that’s definitely a good thing. The music is dense and heavy but also manages to retain a sense of melody with memorable tunes and hooks. Stonesy type riffing lights up Break Down And Cry which will get the toes tapping and the dancers on the floor. Bass player Keith Christopher takes lead vocals on Think It’s Time which also features Hammond organ from Michael Webb. The swaggering Face Of Love features layered jangling guitars and a loopy, off the wall, solo from Hodges. The power pop chords of Wear And Tear wind up the party with tuneful vocals and a memorable chorus. A bunch of good songs, good playing, energy and enthusiasm mean that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well with Dan Baird & Homemade Sin.
DAVE DRURY
