MOONSHINE BOOZE
"Pandemonio"
(Overdub Recordings; 2021)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
All right. I admit it. I was intrigued by this band's name and decided to review the album without doing any research about them first. I mean, their people reached out to me. Should be a fit for Rough Edge, right?
Well, not exactly. Moonshine Booze's "Pandemonio" isn't hard rock or heavy metal and it's not really punk, either. Instead, "Pandemonio" is more along the lines of the late, great Warren Zevon ... and I'm all right with that.
This Italian band plays a classic rock mixed with international flair that gives them quite a unique sound. Imagine, if you will, a cross between the aforementioned Warren Zevon and the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone. It's the kind of songs you might find in a Quentin Tarantino western (especially on "Ponderosa"). And, again, I'm all right with that. Now that I think about it, there's a lot of cinematic sound to this album and, again, I'm all right with that.
Don't get me wrong: There's some pretty gritty guitar here, as on the ZZ Top-flavored "Seeing Me in Trouble." And the retro-sounding "Beyond the Moonlight" will have you bouncing like Isaac Hayes' theme from "Shaft." And I love the freaky, sound-effect driven "Pulse" that closes out the album.
So, yeah, it may not be hard rock or metal but, damn, I like this album. If you're looking for something new and different, you should check out "Panedmonio," too.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/moonshinebooze.
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.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
