‘Dancing on the Gallows’ is the latest album release (their second) from ROSE'S PAWN SHOP, a Los Angeles-based band that produces a high octane blend of country, Americana, and folk.
The current lineup consists of: - Paul Givant on vocals, acoustic guitar and percussion; John Kraus on banjo, electric guitar and vocals; Tim Weed on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Stephen Andrews on upright bass and Ulf Geist on drums.
The opening track, ‘Dancing on the Gallows’ is played at a breakneck pace, propelled along by a frantic banjo riff and fiddle interplay. Whilst this may be within the country genre, there is a healthy dose of Gaelic influence. The lyrics are a sort of skewed love song:
“As our hearts begin to tear, there’s only so much I can bear, And his vulture wings circling to despair.”
This is a brilliant opener, and comes straight out of the starting blocks at a sprint, practically dazing the listener. There is no let up, as ‘Danger Behind The Wheel’ takes hold. A really fast paced country song, this is all about the kind of woman you ought to steer well clear of, but can’t.
This is the sort of reckless tale that outlaw country music is virtually built on, and again keeps the lyrical standard high. Just in case anyone was wondering, yes, there are a few slower paced songs on the album, such as the marvellous ‘One Last Glass Of Whisky’: a slow country ballad that could have been written with Gram Parsons in mind.
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This is an ode to drinking, but one that doesn’t romanticise the savage ache of the hangover: - “Woke up on the floor again, confused and bruised and every muscle/ The sun brings the splitting pain, the shame again. I can’t take it anymore. I can’t take you anymore.” Lyrics like this show that the band can tackle difficult subjects and still deliver the goods. The song is descriptive but doesn’t slide into self pity. Hard hitting, it probably works far better at the slower pace.
‘Ball Of Flames’ is another high, a rockabilly style song pounded along by some classic upright bass. A song about wanting someone, again this sets a high lyrical standard: - “Now then I won’t sleep tonight, lit up like a bar room light.
Chasing a nameless need, this hunger I can’t feed. So, just take me out, outside of me.”
Overall, this was an album that really moved. If you like your bluegrass and Americana at a pace that emulates The Ramones, then this is certainly the album for you!
Buy Rose's Pawn Shop online
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