J Roddy Walston and The Business take the listener on an absolute thrill ride of pure American rock ‘n roll on their new self-titled album. Starting with the infectious rumblings of their opening track “Don’t Break the Needle,” the entire ten- song album is a juggernaut of Waslton’s clunky piano, rowdy riffs, and sing-along choruses making each song a Southern Rock anthem. Walston and The Business’ intense whirlwind live performances- which leave you revved and exhausted all at the same time- translate authentically into the album. Luckily due to traditional tape recording, there is an intimacy and raw quality to the album making it feel like it was recorded in the middle of a smoky, riotous bar rather than a production studio.
Although The Business’ full throttle sound rarely downshifts, on some tracks they allow the listener to take a breath (or swig of beer) before pounding back into the rollicking throw-down of each song. “Brave Man’s Death,” a lyrical and musical standout, starts with a simple piano progression that builds to a rock gospel about going out in glory; a must for speeding down the highway or a soundtrack to a movie motorcycle chase scene.
In an era where many bands have difficulties classifying their music as one genre, there is no misunderstanding; J Roddy Walston and The Business is pure old-fashion (in the best since of the word) rock ‘n roll. Our parents might be able to brag about seeing a live performance from the original lineups of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, or Creedence Clearwater, but J Roddy Walston and The Business give us hope that we might have boasting rights soon too.
*In case this article hasn’t swayed you into purchasing
J Roddy Walston and The Business, look for a photograph by
Mixtape Atlanta’s own and
POParazzi Photography founder Jessica Lewis on the back of the album booklet as an added bonus.
Kim Burdges
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