If the name Hobocombo evokes the image a bunch of gypos on a street corner drunkenly pumelling a battered cajon drum box, or a trampy folk or skiffle band,Now That It's the Opposite, It's Twice Upon a Time - aka Hobocombo Plays Moondog - may come as something of a surprise, especially if – like me – you're unfamiliar with the works of Moondog, the artist Hobocombo were formed as a tribute to. In the event, using double bass, lap steel, electric guitars and a range of drums and percussion, Hobocombo knock out a curiously eclectic mix to produce an album that's as interesting as it is idiosyncratic.
'Stamping Ground' has a loose, almost cabaret jazz swing feel to it, while big beat drums are used to different - yet positive - effect on doodly 'Bird's Lament'. There's a western feel to 'Be a Hobo' with its lonesome twang that's pure cinema, and Native Indian chants rise and fall throughout the album's centrepiece 'Witch of Endor'. Its rich in atmosphere and transports the listener to a dusty plane at dusk, with campfires burning and rough whisky or tequila flowing.
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If the album's experimental new wave style opener, 'Theme' seems at odds with most of the rest of the album, then the smurfs on acid closer 'Enough About Human Rights' with it's whacky lyrics (What about Slug Rights? /What about Bass Rights? / What about Ass Rights? / What about Worm Rights? /What about Germ Rights? / What about Plant Rights?) and wigged-out psychedelic guitar work really does arrive unexpectedly.
On the strength of 'Now That It's the Opposite', I'm raring to investigate Moondog's work, but the strength of this album lies is the fact that prior knowledge is not essential in order to appreciate it on its own merits.
Hobocombo Online
http://www.myspace.com/hobocombo
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