by Chip Frazier in Alt-Country, Americana, Reviews, Roots

Todd Mathis is a Twangville posse member and front man of the up and coming alt-country band American Gun, along with friend and fellow songwriter Donald Merckle. I guess that would make them the official house band here at Twangville. Based on their new CD, that is a good thing. They recently released The Means and the Machine and it is an album with hooks that will grab you right away. However, for those that demands instant credibility, American Gun Delivers it. The album was mixed by Chris Stamey, (The DBs, Whiskeytown, Caitlin Cary, Alejandro Escovedo, Yo La Tengo, Tift Merritt)and Al Perkins (Flying Burrito Brothers)provides pedal steel. The album is full of great hooks and melody. As compared to their previous release Dark Southern Hearts, the new effort shares stylistic similarities; but it is a bit more fine tuned with harmony vocals, keyboards and of course Al Perkins on Pedal Steel. According to Todd these refinements were largely the suggestion of Stamey.

I write this review because I really like this album. There is no “Home Cookin’” here like you see in an SEC football game, where the home team gets the calls. Listen for yourself. The songs on the album are a fun listen. For example, on the song “Drunk Girls” they describe how the social division of every bar in America is determined by different types of drunk girls and where they stand. It is a true and hilarious observation of the co-ed sport of drinking. They, also show us their theological side on the song “Jesus Gave Us Rock and Roll.” This is a song to which all the people can say Amen. “Girl Done Gone” is a dark tale that would make Patterson Hood proud. Hooking up with Stamey was a really great idea for American Gun. He expands their sound and they will likely expand their audience. Great job Todd, you get the key to the city of Twangville.

Sample songs on their website.

This review also appears on Amber Waves of Twang

About the author:  Chip and his family live in Charlotte, NC. You can also find him at http://amberwavesoftwang.blogspot.com/ Roll Tide!