Terry's Reviews Page
Terry reviews the latest Movies, Music and Books

Music Reviews:

The Rex Carroll Band - That was then, This is now

Retroactive Records - 2010

Every so often I'd wonder what ever happened to the guitarist of the band Fierce Heart, who released one melodic hard rock album in 1984.  I found out the dynamic guitarist had played with a couple Christian Metal bands White Cross and King James.  Now he has also put out his own blues based band, The Rex Carroll Band.

There's something really grounded about the blues.  Rex Carroll's band comes out of the gate with a grass roots blues feel infused with Carroll's fantastic guitar.

Carroll actually sings the vocals on the album and his voice has just enough sand to give the songs the grit needed.  The band responds to the bell call of "Find A Way."

In "Circle of Love" I can't help but think of ZZ Top with more explosive lead guitar,

Speaking of explosive lead guitar "Fool's Gold" is like the lit fuse on a keg of dynamite that blasts into the following track "Working Man's Blues."  This is my favorite song (s) off the album since it's where Rex Carroll really let's it fly.

"Walk A Mile" feels like an old pair of boots that have been used for years.

The biggest hook may come from "Rock My World."  My second favorite song is probably "Witch Dr. Bones," the seventh track is gritty, salty and fun.

Rex Carroll let's the music slow down and shine like the sun on a bright Texas day with "My Train."

Carroll plays wicked slide guitar in "Throw Them Bonz."  The bands grooves like an armadillo in it's shell.

In the linear notes Carroll talks about his first attempt at the blues, he felt the band didn't get to the heart of it.  This band reaches that mark with ease.

www.retroactiverecords.net