Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Flexx Bronco - Volume 2

Flexx Bronco - Volume 2
Flexx Bronco
Volume 2
2010
Label: D.S.R. (Independent)








Guy Thunderbird


I have to begin this blog by admitting I am somewhat ashamed it has taken me this long (CD was released Summer of '10) to get to writing this review. It is especially shaming as I know these guys and have been to see them live and review their previous releases. Sorry, guys.

Ok. Mea culpas complete. On with the review...

Filthy
To say that Bay Area outlaw rocker darlings Flexx Bronco kick serious ass would be to do a disservice to both them and that particular phrase. In a world seemingly dominated by musical acts that lack even the barest thread of integrity - let alone true rock n' roll sensibility - Flexx Bronco slithers their way under the radar to provide their fans with a sonic blast of gritty blues rock aural-gasmic delight. The boys' latest offering, Volume 2, showcases all of this and more.

When last we saw Flexx Bronco, they had decided to pay some tribute to their fan base by throwing out a bit of a treat: Volume 2 - Sampler (my review of which can be found here). This limited edition EP included several songs that would later make it onto Volume 2 and served to prove that XB had kept busy writing, recording, and playing anywhere and everywhere they could, raising good ol' boy style Hell wherever they found themselves. They even shot a couple of actual music videos and posted selected performances to their official YouTube page. Volume 2 exhibits XB at their best.


Flexx Bronco "Lauren Blues in A" Vol. 2 from Sean Murphy on Vimeo.

Eroc
"A Lesson in Love", "Go Fast", and the groovingly bluesy "Lauren Blues in A" were all featured on the Volume 2 - Sampler EP, but seem somehow fuller and more realized on Volume 2 when joined by such instant XB classics as "Pop (The Top)" and "Black Limo". "Johnny's Saloon" offers lyrics that naturally flow off of bassist Guy Thunderbird's (Yeah. That's his name. You got a problem with that?) tongue, a perfect whiskey drinking ballad. "American Heartbreak" and "The Song That Kills" venture into more standardized hard rock territory, but still showcase XB's talent as a unit in keeping the beat and choruses tight, driving the guitars and rhythm section down the listener's throat and out their asses without passing Go. Or collecting $200.

Thor Bigsby
Volume 2 is a true step forward in the evolution of Flexx Bronco while still keeping it real, down and dirty. Pick this one up and crack up the sound system. Just don't be surprised if your speakers start to flame up. If you dig sexy, Texas-style outlaw blues rock, you won't be disappointed. Make sure you check the links included below to get details on their Winter/Spring 2011 Tour, which also has them playing the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas (March 11 - 20, 2011).


Flexx Bronco is: 
Guy Thunderbird (Vocals and Bass Guitar)
Filthy (Guitar)
Eroc (Guitar)
Thor Bigsby (Drums and Shiny Underpants)

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