Rough Edge: Mambo Sons CD Reviews

MAMBO SONS

"Racket of Three" (Omnicide / Guitar Nine; 2005)

It's not as edgy as "Play Some Rock & Roll," but "Racket of Three" is still a vibrant rock'n'roll record that will put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.

A light blues album with amusing lyrics, punchy melodies and a sense of fun throughout, "Racket of Three," like "Play Some Rock & Roll" before it, isn't the kind of CD you'll be banging your head to but, if you're in the mood for something with a lighter attitude, this is it.

Whereas "Play Some Rock & Roll" brought to mind the Rolling Stones, "Racket of Three" is more akin to Huey Lewis & The News. And that's not a bad thing. The News may have enjoyed huge popularity to the point of over saturation, but they were always and still are a great bunch of talented musicians and songwriters first. Mambo Sons enjoy those same gifts.

Highlights here include the rockin' "Sidewinder," the George Thorogood drive of "Rummy Hop" and the very entertaining "You Broke My Mind."

Mambo Sons: Tom Guerra - guitars, vocals; Joe Lemiuex - drums and percussion; Scott Lawson - lead vocals and bass.

For more information, check out http://www.mambosons.com.

"Play Some Rock & Roll" (The Orchard / Guitar Nine; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

The most important criteria for a CD to be reviewed here at Rough Edge is "loud guitars." That's what we like: fat riffs, sharp leads, chunky power chords ... all played at maximum volume.

Unlike Spinal Tap, however, the Mambo Sons don't turn it up to 11. Whereas some bands generate pure volume with their guitar sound, the Mambo Sons instead create "edge." In other words, their amps don't have to be maxed out for their guitars to be loud.

The sound of the Mambo Sons is more akin to the Rolling Stones than AC/DC, but their feisty rhythm and blues will be appreciated by anyone who likes good, classic rock'n'roll. "Vintage" is a term I've found often associated with the Mambo Sons, but I'd prefer another term: Timeless. The songs on "Play Some Rock & Roll" are those rare tunes that could be popular in any era. They're blues-heavy rockers with bite and soul; it's almost impossible not to be enveloped in them instantly.

True, if you're looking for some head-banging action, Mambo Sons aren't what you need. But if it's some timeless, lively rock you seek, your search can end with Mambo Sons.

Mambo Sons: Tom Guerra - guitars, vocals; Mike Hayden - drums, vocals; Jeff Keithline - bass, vocals; Scott Lawson - lead vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.mambosons.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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