September 02 2010
Devil’s Elbow — Sand on Chrome
posted by Steven Shaw at 2:42 pm
Devil’s Elbow Sand on Chrome
The debut album from Hawke’s Bay duo Devil’s Elbow is an absolute delight. Frontman and guitarist Alec Withers sings gritty, swaggering vocals, backed up by solid drumming and fine harmonies from former Garageland stickman Andrew Gladstone. The result is some very catchy desert rock with occasional cow-punk and even folk leanings.
Sand on Chrome was recorded with help from another Hawke’s Bay local, Ian Morris of Th’ Dudes and Tex Pistol fame. It’s far from the lo-fi affair you might expect from a two-piece. The production level is high — songs are rounded out with other instruments such as bass, additional vocals used on some tunes and the mix is big and warm.
The songs are memorable and varied in style, running a unique line that crosses through country, punk and alternative rock influences. Devil’s Elbow aren’t just copying though, they quickly carve their own path, kicking off in cow-punk mode and offering generous flashes of their other musical leanings along the way.
Sand on Chrome is a very strong debut album from two of Hawke’s Bay’s — and New Zealand’s — finest musicians. There’s not a dud song on here and working through the 12 tracks, they just don’t sound like they’re repeating themselves. The diverse appeal these guys have will go down well with an indie crowd, a country crowd or even down your local Irish bar. Expect to hear a lot more from them.
Follow Devil’s Elbow on MySpace: www.myspace.com/devilselbowofficial
Video: Opening track from Sand On Chrome “Brainstorm”, live at Napier’s legendary Cabana bar.