THE STRANGE TONES (US)
We're On Our Way

No Doubt the strange tones came up with the moniker Crime-a-Billy all by their selves! Crime-a-Billy was not only the title of their previous album but it has become a style as well as they explain. It is a mixture of blues, surf, rockabilly and R& B.  And while this mixture might sound familiar to us (Seatniffers, Baboons,….) the outcome is totally different!  For the third time in a row The Strange tones produces an album that is rich in styles and warm in sound. No need to plunder the archives of music for The Strange Tones, the album consist out of 11 self-penned tunes and tribute song (feel the difference with a common cover) to the late Paul Delay.

Opening track “Mama Makes More” is drenched in vintage R & B.  Think of a typical English Pub; imagine some hot beer and cold chicks (or should it be the other way around) and you are close to what you get on this track.  “Fool me” is a blues tune with some well-hidden surf licks in the instrumental parts.  The tune however is well performed and burst opens towards the end with a great solo.   Title Track, “We’re on our way’ might be completely instrumental it doesn’t hide the band’s message! “A continues development as a dynamic band with relentless energy and exciting live shows”!

 “Hooky”, “That’s How we roll” and “I Ain’t Movin’” delves a little bit more in the Blues and vintage R&B cellar, while “Kathryn’s Style” explores the verges of the Chicago blues.
“Farmer’s Trent wife” is one those tunes that surpasses! Mysterious in lyrics with a swamp rock atmosphere and a catchy chorus line, the tune can’t be denied! The hot pick for the album for sure.” The Swingler “takes us back to the original surf acts from long ago in a style that is reminiscent to Dick Dale and other surf gods!  “ Between me and you” is revisiting the combined works of “Robert Cray” while “Mi Jefe Me Molesta” (My Boss Bothers Me) opens up to some Spanish roots!

We’re on our Way is already the third album of the band and it seems that they keep evolving with every record. Well performed and produced Guitar Julie, husband Andy Strange and long time partners in crime Suburban Slim & JD Huge, bring a great roots rock album that is dripping wet of blues and vintage R&B.   Additional to the first copies is the bonus track with the tribute tune to Paul Delay; “Fourteen Dollars in the Bank”. 

Hopefully on a festival nearby this summer, this band is a must for fans of Roots Rock.