Heartaches and Wonders - Rodeo Massacre EP Review

Rodeo Massacre

Photo: Clement Verger link

EP Review

To be honest when I read the name, Rodeo Massacre, the first thought in mind was that of a Wild West Death Metal Band (kind of like Slipknot meets John Wayne). Having seen their photo they reminded me more of a 1960's psychedelic ensemble last seen marching along Height Ashbury in San Francisco, guitar in one hand flower in the other. Then I read they are a Swedish French rock trio, and my mind switched immediately to thoughts of Gainsborough meets Abba. So I thought, let's not let the facts get in the way of some great music and I opened my ears to "Heartbreaks and Wonders", and what struck me was the immediacy of the music, and the brilliantly sultry husky vocal of Izzy Lindqwister (a true tongue twister!).

This four-track release follows the bands first record released on April77 (their former label), and it truly does take the listener back to the heady days of the 1960s. The title and opening track, 'Heartaches and Wonders' is a cracking song, introducing the guitar riffs and drum beats of the great Zorba (co-founder of the band). Izzy's voice launches in as a cross between Marianne Faithful and Grace Slick, not missing a note or a beat. This is a bluesy rock and roll song, missing from our charts for many years! How nice to witness it's return, and how better than with a superb female lead singer! Track 2, "The World Has Changed" begins with a very familiar riff; every time I listen to it the first few bars make me sing 'Born Under a Bad Sign' by Cream. This is another cracking song, suited perfectly to Izzy's voice, and even the 'speaky' bit (usually so annoying) comes across quite well! This could be a Cream song, but nevertheless it is fresh and exciting as a song for 2009!

"Woman" starts with a bang, with Izzy launching straight in with vocals closely resembling those of Grace Slick. This song is straight out of the late 1960s, complete with organ (perhaps Hammond???) and the vibe of exciting things to come! The EP ends with 'Walk Me With' the slowest, most bluesy track on the disc. It does build from a relatively low rate blues rock song to a pretty darn funky rock blues number (if this makes any sense or difference!).

The EP is a thunderstorm of sound; truly original in its time, with slices of good times gone by. I would recommend this to those who lived through the blues / psychedelic rock generation and to those who think this sound is brand spanking new. It will excite all, and it is a welcome relief from the pap music currently overtaking our charts!

Rodeo Massacre the name may be nasty, but the band is cool! Bring on the noise!

Charlotte Frearson