Big Ass Truck
Who Let You in Here?
Peabody
This is the type of band that tries the soul of a music reviewer. How do you seem eloquent and adjective-laden when all you really want to say is: BIG ASS TRUCK KICKS BIG ASS?!?!? Then another dilemma arises: Big Ass Truck has so many musical elements that weave into their “sound,” how does one describe that which “defines” a band?
Well, tortured as I may be, the ink must keep flowing. I am stoked to help spread the gospel of Memphis’ funkiest, rock-steadiest, groove-injecting merrymen. I would tend to believe the Truck’s diversely delicious sounds reflect the melting pot of musical influences that envelope Memphis. With funk, R&B, rock, and ’70s soul evident in BAT’s music, it is no surprise that throwing in a DJ and a couple turntables would spoil the potpourri. BAT takes this cauldron, stirs it up ever so carefully, spices it to perfection, and you’re jammin’ – but good! Colin Butler’s scratching and beat-mixing add a dimension and style to BAT that otherwise would require several extra musicians. Organs, horns, vocals, anything he seems to pull out complements Steve Selvidge’s smoking guitar leads. While Robby Grant works rhythm guitar/vocals and “Dros” Liposcak slaps some chunky bass lines, Robert Barnett keeps the whole thing together with his commanding percussion work.
It’s been a couple years since the guys laid any tracks down due to their tireless touring. Yep Roc’s Sack Lunch EP has been holding the fort until now. Having revived an obscure seventies Memphis label (Peabody Records) for this recording, Who Let You in Here? is making up for lost time by bringing seventeen new tracks to your ears. I noticed excellent production work, which keeps all the elements of BAT intact. Case in point: the multi-aural, “Beck-esque” tune “The Neco” or the psychedelic noise-fest “March of the Dirty Razors.” Other gems include “3X Over,” the spacey “Slow Motion Time,” and groovy “Fading Fast Fad.” The guitar work on the title track and “Portuguese Man of War” will leave a sting you won’t soon forget!
Each member of BAT shines as a gifted musician, but when they come together hold on tight or get the hell out of the way! This new release might have been more aptly titled “Who shouldn’t You Let in Here?” Big Ass Truck has something everyone deserves to hear… Go BIG! Check out Big Ass Truck stuff at: _http:www.bigasstruck.com_
