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TONIGHT WE RIDE
"Of the West" (Self-released; 2009)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Raucous Montana trio Tonight We Ride play unapologetically over-the-top bar punk that recalls straightforward and snappy yet loose cowpunk at its best -- and sappy punk rock at its worst -- falling somewhere between impassioned and clichéd on their 11-track "Of the West."
Setting tales of drinking and carousing to a countrified rock'n'roll beat that channels everyone from Blink 182 and Offspring to Supersuckers and Dropkick Murphys, Tonight We Ride’s inebriated rowdiness assures an abundance of frat boy bonding sessions and hell-bent for bender kicked up heels by the dozens, as their simple yet effective melodies, cool interludes (“Prelude to Hell on Earth”) real life drama inspired lyrics (some of which beg for audience call and response), and scratchy vocal projections give this disc an edgy Against Me quality that trumps the serious case of modern rock redundancy that manages to seep through .
While there are a few cuts that emit a blatantly unoriginal quality (“For Richie Rowe”), this squad’s passionate pursuit of storytelling via their modern prairie punk approach contains an outlaw rawness and backbeat swagger to keep the party hopping, the dance floor busy, and the drinks flowing.
For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/twrmt.
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 © 2010 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
