Paladins
Let`s Buzz! (Alligator) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
The ”roots” rock fad, a return to early rock `n` roll styles, has come and gone. But this San Diego-based trio latched on to the stripped-down energy of the form rather than the fashion. Though a bit faster and louder than their two previous efforts, ”Let`s Buzz!” finds the Paladins still carrying the roots-rock torch. They crank up the tempo, cut through musical borderlines and coat the works with Dave Gonzalez`s dense, biting, Stevie Ray Vaughan-styled guitar. ”Let`s Buzz” is loaded with high-energy Texas blues, gritty funk, edgy rockabilly and even a bit of Tex-Mex polka, blues shuffles and `60s rock instrumentals. Though the Paladins never have been ranked with such roots rock leaders as the Blasters, Los Lobos or the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the ”Buzz” about them should grow a little louder with this new album.
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