By now we know what to expect from The Gourds. Noble Creatures fortunately delivers The Gourds full package, quirky hook laden roots music that mixes tradition with foot stompin’ contemporary jams. Of course this is all delivered with the requisite humor. After all, this is the band that managed to fuse Compton and Appalachia when it covered Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice.”
There are a few things that are added on the album, like the Hammond B3 background on “Kicks in the Sun.” Overall the album has a little bit more of Grateful Dead influence than normal but it is still a typical Gourds album. That is a good thing when you do what you do as well as the Gourds. The Cajun stomp of “Cranky Mulatto” is familiar territory for the band. Their Texas Red Dirt Roots are highlighted on “Moon Gone Down.” I expect “All in the Pack” to be the live hit that will get the fans dancing on the tables, which where they belong at a Gourds show. Hopefully we can all be dancing at their live shows for many years to come.
Stream the full album:
http://www.yeproc.com/artist_info.php?artistId=957
This review also appears on: http://amberwavesoftwang.blogspot.com
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!