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Non-Prog CD Reviews

The I's

Herbivore Blues

Review by Larry Toering

The band is led by S.I.D. Need, and features Jose Medeles (Breeders) on drums and Shannon Wade on bass and Glockenspiel. Based in the northwest, Need has roots in Texas. That is where blues and garage often meet, and they do here, intentionally or not. She has the right ingredients as she combines them with a few other genres that mold an original sound while keeping  it grounded in traditions that suit the area.

This disc was done on eight-track and recorded and mixed by Wade. A fine job was done bringing out the ambience and keeping it even throughout, Pro Tools users take note. The northwest is the home of garage and has a long running blues scene as well. The I's fit into that market like a band in a velvet glove. Many influences are felt on this disc, from Chrissy Hynde to Lou Reed, and more.  Feel the fun and the pain. It's filled with both great elements and excellent songwriting.


This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Soul's Corruption

This is a good opening number with a classic twang riff, very catchy and filled with likable qualities. It isn't long before one is hooked by the ear. This is rock and roll with no bells and whistles, but tons of gut level soul and beauty.

Target Eyes
Built on nice crunchy blues with a bouncy pace and a rebellious sassy vocals, everything works to keeps things together well. This is great stuff, stripped down to the bone blues rock that’s brutally honest.
Lost
A light hearted tune, appropriately placed, this shows a sweeter side and just adds to the fun.
Underground
A peaking moment, this is a great track with well written lyrics and a fine vocal delivery. It’s one of the best on the disc. This will get a lot of repeat listens, as it's perfect for any playlist.
Ryder
With lovely acoustic guitar and heart sweeping vocals, this is a stunning tune and another one that proves easy to revisit.
An I
Hot bass and thrashing drums from Jose Medeles are featured in yet another peaker. This has a Pretenders vibe to it. Attitude and moxy are in full prowess here. The intensity is contagious and by now that album has more than established the great songwriting skills.
Josie's Peak
Blues harp from Need adds a subtle charm. It’s a very pretty touch to balance the mood out. This is a captivating work that leaves one begging for more. This track brings attention into the house and the rest can only be anticipated - excellent!
Wheel
A pretty little folk tune, very lovely singing and harmonica make for a Dylanesque atmosphere. If only Mr. Dylan could sing like this - beautiful!
Seeing I Man
The hilarious title sets everything up. It’s funny just to think about, and another good solid rock number as the consistency prevails. This features Anna Mehrer on Fender Rhodes.
Buttersuds
There is more harmonica in this acoustic closer. With yet more raw emotion and pure sass, it all adds up to class.  Dylan's influence is felt once more in the songwriting and it's a huge compliment. It doesn't get any more appealing in my book than that. If you like garage rock that cleans up tastefully well with blues, punk and folk inflections, Herbivore Blues is the ticket.
 
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