There is something very endearing about a couple in a rock band. Just look at the on-stage chemistry of Johnny Cash and June Carter if you require any proof. I admit, I was never the greatest fan of Cash’s music, but there is no denying the magic that took place whenever those two played, gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. You could sense that something special was taking place.
Puerto Muerto’s husband and wife duo, Tim Kelley and Christa Meyer, possess the same dark romanticism. The brooding folk rockers from Chicago already have three critically-acclaimed albums under their belts and Drumming for Pistols looks set to enjoy the same warm reception. Their tainted tales, equal parts sweet and sour, will provoke thoughts of passionate sex and cold-blooded murder at the same time.
Opening track, Song of the Moon, is led by an infectiously dirty bass line and Meyer’s raspy vocals evoke the nostalgia of early Polly Jean Harvey recordings for all the right reasons. Follow up track Tamar threatens to be a forgettable folk ballad on account of Kelley’s flat, emotionless growling until his wife assists on the chorus and the balance is quickly restored. Her chant: “Oh daddy, Oh daddy. Why’d you do those things to me” will send shivers down your spine.
The strongest track on the album is unquestionably Arcadia, with its galloping guitars and anthemic chorus that is infectious to a fault. The album closes with the profoundly tragic love song Goodbye to the End. It is here that Meyer’s vocals display the ability to evoke heartfelt sentiment, assisted solely by a sombre acoustic guitar. I defy you to listen to this perfectly articulated gem and not reminisce about a love that is dead and gone.
To be honest, the only time the album falters is when Kelley takes over lead vocal responsibilities. For some reason, whenever he sings the lyrics seem to lose significance and you suddenly feel as if you are listening to something that has aged badly. Fortunately, Kelley only lends his singing abilities on a handful of occasions and is usually assisted by Meyer’s sensual offering at some point.
Drumming for Pistols may not be the most progressive album in the heavily oversaturated genre of folk rock. However, it does show that both Kelley and Meyer have carefully studied their influences and taken the best attributes of each to create a sexual and macabre style that will appeal to anyone with a filthy mind. If you ever decide to kill a man, steal his car and elope with your lover on an epic road trip, I strongly recommend taking this album with you.
Tags:
Johnny Cash, June Carter, PJ Harvey, Puerto Muerto
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