H R H - R E V I E W S

Voodoo Moonshine
Decade of Decay Independent

Comments: Calling themselves "a heavy southern groove swamp metal band," Voodoo Moonshine's release Decade of Decay is damn cool. They boast a twin guitar attack-Jeff Losawyer and Bryan Nikkel-and a singer in Gary Geiger who captures the Southern Rock and snarly howling hard rock vibe of the mid-80s. Although they lean a little too close to their roots at times, this is a strong debut from a talented band.

The CD begins with the crunchy, attitude-heavy "It's About Time." When you first hear Geiger's voice, you'll be impressed. The music is weird, with atmospheric guitar passages, and the chorus of "Well, it's about fucking time," couldn't be more blunt. The solo is somewhat bluesy and played with a lot of feel, and works well in the confines of the song.

Next is "R.I.P.," and this could come right out of the '80s. It has the kind of attitude you'd hear from Skid Row, and is just as sleazy. These guys are definitely on to something.

Now, when you get to "Piece of Mind," you are going to be confused. You'll swear this is "Sweet Home Alabama," because it sounds almost exactly like the intro to that song. When the vocals start, Geiger sings a line that reminds you a little too strongly of "Big wheel, keep on turning." The pacing, the rhythm, everything about this song screams "I've already been written." Considering the songwriting prior to this track, this is a letdown.

"Cobwebs in My Soul" goes back to what they do best-original sounding music. This is a slower song, but picks up steam after the second chorus, and Geiger lets out a wicked howl. It sounds a little like Alice in Chains in parts, but keeps its own identity.

"Wasted Love" is their ballad, a slow, almost Country sounding composition. Geiger shines again, singing with a real sense of longing. Voodoo Moonshine plays a myriad of different styles of music on this CD, and every single one of them work.

If you are into Southern, swampy rock, these guys are can't-miss. They write smart songs, they wield a talented singer, and they do just about everything right. Except for the one track that goes beyond "an homage," Decade of Decay truly makes you want to lift a glass or 12 and abuse the hell out of your liver.

www.voodoomoonshinetheband.com

Track listing:
1. It's About Time
2. R.I.P.
3. The One That Got Away
4. Locked and Loaded
5. Piece of Mind
6. Ain't My Type
7. Cobwebs in My Soul
8. One More Reason
9. Wasted Love
10. No Way Home

HRH Rating: 7.1/10

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