SHAKEY DEVILLE – Cliches & Contraband (2021-2022)
“Clichés & Contraband” is the debut CD from North Carolina, USA band SHAKEY DEVILLE. This young 4-piece conjure the best of the bluesy classic rock times with sweet melodies and smokin’ guitars. It’s really refreshing to find that there’s still young dudes in America keepin’ the torch alive.
There’s a Seventies blues hazy atmosphere on “Clichés & Contraband”, but also some rocking swagger ala Badlands or Black Crowes. Dan Miller’s voice and way of singing takes you back to an era when front man was the trademark of a band, while the rest of the guys create the solid foundation with impressive riffs and bouncy backbone.
“Shot’s Fired” is driven by a bluesy guitar riffs with a cool groove to it. Next “Alley Cat” does have an easy to sing along to chorus and you’ll likely be screaming ‘get fucked’ on cue with the band members when the song gets to that point.
“Fly So High” is more urgent, fast paced, then on some places “Move On Over” bring to mind early ZZ Top however production is really polished and the song really melodic.
“Place Your Bet” is perhaps the heavier number here where the Badlands sound in their late-era appears. It really rocks, and the song in album highlight. “Too Fast” is a peppier track for the Shakey Deville members. I find Dan Miller‘s singing on this like he’s telling a story between friends while both are having a beer at a run down joint.
The CD closes with the slower paced track “Drawdown”, where the band jams all over like band of this ilk used to do decades ago.
“Clichés & Contraband” showcases Shakey DeVille skills on this kind of classic rock which is impressive given the band members seem to be playing material that is way more mature than their presumably young ages. I suppose that these young fellas are old souls at heart to be able to capture the bluesy hard rock mojo so well.
The album was released at the very end of past year, but now there’s 2022 physical CD copies available.
Highly Recommended
01. Shot’s Fired
02. Alley Cat
03. Fly So High
04. Move On Over
05. Place Your Bet
06. Too Fast
07. Drawdown
Dan Miller – vocals
Curly – guitar
Brandon Bentley – drums
Joshua Bradley – bass
BUY
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KZCHJ1N
