After doing some brief research on Gasfoodlodging who cite their influences as The Velvet Underground through to The Kinks and Iggy Pop as well as an artist called Chuck Prophet who I'm unfamiliar with at this time, I gave the album a listen with my usual open mindedness and surprisingly I found myself trying to remember the last time I had enjoyed an album worth of new guitar music this much.
The album begins with a 6 minute piece of soulful punk arrogance with Get with the Program. "I do what I wanna do, not what they say that I should do" exclaims Dave Griffiths, the vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter of this Birmingham based three piece band. Simplistic lyrics they maybe but relevant and poignant to the general feeling of discontent with governmental spoon feeding in 2019? Absolutely.
In fact its the simplistic and quirky lyrical delivery that works exceptionally well through the entire album, the songs aren't trying to be smart ass or derail off into self-indulgent nonsense.
Caitlin Silvers, Walking the Wire, Keep your headlights on a little longer, Outlaw, Six Strings Ringing, From the Darkness of a day cover topics we are all aware of, from domestic abuse, homelessness, through to the search for love and fulfilment. And like a good story teller recounts his or her writings, Griffiths conveys his narrative of such topics with great lyrical thought. The Outlaw songwriting credit goes to the bassist of the band, Mike Fleming with Griffiths having penned the other 13 songs on the album. Vocally, Griffiths also impresses a great deal as he sways about in Iggy Pop and Jim Reid from the The Jesus & Mary Chain territory.
This is not an album devoted to strictly bleak themes either, there are some great and charismatic uplifting moments, Life is for Living, Keep on Keeping on and Loving Arms speak for themselves with their themes. The closing track of the album, Rock & Roll Textbook is another cleverly pieced together narrative of uplifting reflection. "Just because I'm older now, my rock & roll passion stays the same" states Griffiths triumphantly.
For a guy who judging by his photos looks to be in his 30's now, this is clear intent that he has no intention of putting his pen and paper in the desk draw anytime soon. Considering Seasick Steve began his recording career circa the age of 65, Griffiths has a fair few years ahead of him yet to keep his rock & roll passions ignited.
Based upon the content of this album Griffiths and his band are doing everything right. Great songs which are wonderfully performed and with a unique edge. You couldn't ask for anymore if you're in a band.
All Trashed Out by Gasfoodlodging is available on CD, digital download here:
gasfoodlodging.bandcamp.com/
Samantha Hill (Evo4 Promotions)
s.hill@evo4.co.uk
© 2019
The album begins with a 6 minute piece of soulful punk arrogance with Get with the Program. "I do what I wanna do, not what they say that I should do" exclaims Dave Griffiths, the vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter of this Birmingham based three piece band. Simplistic lyrics they maybe but relevant and poignant to the general feeling of discontent with governmental spoon feeding in 2019? Absolutely.
In fact its the simplistic and quirky lyrical delivery that works exceptionally well through the entire album, the songs aren't trying to be smart ass or derail off into self-indulgent nonsense.
Caitlin Silvers, Walking the Wire, Keep your headlights on a little longer, Outlaw, Six Strings Ringing, From the Darkness of a day cover topics we are all aware of, from domestic abuse, homelessness, through to the search for love and fulfilment. And like a good story teller recounts his or her writings, Griffiths conveys his narrative of such topics with great lyrical thought. The Outlaw songwriting credit goes to the bassist of the band, Mike Fleming with Griffiths having penned the other 13 songs on the album. Vocally, Griffiths also impresses a great deal as he sways about in Iggy Pop and Jim Reid from the The Jesus & Mary Chain territory.
This is not an album devoted to strictly bleak themes either, there are some great and charismatic uplifting moments, Life is for Living, Keep on Keeping on and Loving Arms speak for themselves with their themes. The closing track of the album, Rock & Roll Textbook is another cleverly pieced together narrative of uplifting reflection. "Just because I'm older now, my rock & roll passion stays the same" states Griffiths triumphantly.
For a guy who judging by his photos looks to be in his 30's now, this is clear intent that he has no intention of putting his pen and paper in the desk draw anytime soon. Considering Seasick Steve began his recording career circa the age of 65, Griffiths has a fair few years ahead of him yet to keep his rock & roll passions ignited.
Based upon the content of this album Griffiths and his band are doing everything right. Great songs which are wonderfully performed and with a unique edge. You couldn't ask for anymore if you're in a band.
All Trashed Out by Gasfoodlodging is available on CD, digital download here:
gasfoodlodging.bandcamp.com/
Samantha Hill (Evo4 Promotions)
s.hill@evo4.co.uk
© 2019
