Dexter
Romweber
Chased By Martians
The
recent breakup of The Flat Duo Jets after 14 years came as
a shock to me, but I should have known that frontman Dexter
Romweber would be back in action in no time. On his new solo
release, Chased By Martians (Manifesto), the eccentric
singer and guitarist once again delivers the kind of roots
rock-and-roll that keeps his cult following growing strong.
The
action-packed Martians offers 18 tracks, predominantly
Romweber originals and most only two minutes long. Consequently,
some of the covers feel more like cameo appearances, such
as the Eddie Cochran instrumental "Guybo," clocking in at
a mere 1:36. But the brevity of the tracks also allows Romweber
to play with the pace of the album, delivering a nice balance
of adrenaline-charged barnburners and slow, soulful numbers.
The high-octane "Rockin' Maybelle" leads into the somber ballad
"Used To You," which is immediately followed by the spooky,
"Do the Lurd!!"
As
always, Dexter draws from diverse elements of classic American
music. The driving opener, "15,000 Lives," blends the movie
Western sound of old style country with the gothic quality
of The Cramps, while "The Seeker," is an upbeat, folksy number.
Other songs are pure Rockabilly, including Romweber's "Late
at Night" and "Hold Me Baby," penned by drummer Sam "Crash
LaResh" Sandler. Start to finish, Chased by Martians
affirms Dexter Romweber's unbridled talent and endless passion
for true American rock-and-roll.
Leslie
Rosenberg
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