When you hear the name Green Mountain Rebels (http://www.gmrebels.com), your imagination is probably conjuring up some hillbilly combo. In that case, you'd be half-right. The Green Mountain Rebels certainly sound authentic when they draw upon that classic country sound; however, they also go beyond Americana cliches and sink their feet wholeheartedly into the blues, a combination that shakes the shack with whiskey-fueled, God-fearing passion.
Oddly enough, the Green Mountain Rebels' biggest influence may well be the Doors. Jered Shaw's throaty baritone captures the theatrical flair and midnight drama of Jim Morrison, especially on the title cut and "Sunrise (East Winds Gonna Blow)." Hearing a roots-rock group with such a soulful, fiery singer is quite a surprise. Normally bands like these play it safe with bland Southern twangers. Not the Green Mountain Rebels.
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The Green Mountain Rebels are in love with the blues as much as country. "Free Them Blind" and "The Sweetheart Dance" are soaked in vintage blues. Shaw's scorching harmonica on "The Sweetheart Dance" will literally make you sweat. But do I hear X and Velvet Underground influences in the first track? David Koenig's shambling riffs on that one reflect the droning days of the Velvets so eeriely that you nearly expect Lou Reed to begin talk-singing.
A female vocalist, Elizabeth Christianson, gives a delightful feminine touch to this boys' club. She duets nicely with Shaw on "Rock n' Roll Son."
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