I don’t know how Dusty Rose Gang (Josh Budiognan – guitar, Brett Donlan – bass, Blake Hill – drums, Dusty Rose – guitar and vocals) has done it, but apparently they have crafted a time machine and appeared in modern day Detroit straight from a late 1970s tour with MC5 with their album A-One from Day One.
Opening track “Love Bug” shreds on so many levels that it’s difficult to list them all. It kicks out the jams and kicks the walls down around you. It sounds like cosmic rock, Detroit metal, and garage grooves all at the same time. The slight echo effect on Rose’s vocals is great touch. Rose and Budiognan’s guitars on “Sticker” practically lift your speakers (and you) off the floor.
“Person of Light,” the longest track on the album (six minutes-plus) reminds me of some of Frankie and The Witch Fingers‘ wild tunes. The more I think about it, they and Dusty Rose Gang would be a great double-bill. Donlan’s bass runs all over this track, locking in a sweaty, heavy groove that you can’t ignore once you hear it. The weird filter effect on “Party Back Jack” is mind-warping, as is Hill’s drumming. Then the guitars kick in and it’s like you’re taking off on a rural Michigan drag strip.
“Leave It Alone” is full of fun AC/DC-like swagger rock. “Feel Me” somehow cranks that swagger up more and throws in psych-rock grooves for good measure.
This is one of the most fun rock albums I’ve heard all year. Don’t skip it. These guys are A1 from day one.
Keep your mind open.
[I’ll think you’re A-one is you subscribe today.]
[Thanks to Daniel at RidingEasy Records!]
