RATTLE BONES – A Few Disconnected Thoughts (2026) *HQ*
320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2
Pittsburgh based rockers RATTLE BONES is the creation of vocalist / guitarist Gary Martin who was member of the good indie act The Claws releasing a couple of albums.
RATTLE BONES has just released their own album ”A Few Disconnected Thoughts”, a classic rock ten tracker plenty of swagger and feel good vibe. You aren’t disappointed when the funk tinged, latter day Rolling Stones-y opener “In Exile” burst into life. This could easily have come from Californians Undercover or even the recent Hackney Diamonds whilst still retaining an identity of its own — a not inconsiderable feat.
The slightly slower paced but similarly styled “Last Groove In Town” gives way to the joyful bar-room swagger of “Ain’t It Strange” which adds a distinct The Faces / Quireboys essence to proceedings which cheered me even further and is something that, thankfully, remains throughout the album, being especially evident on the brilliant bourbon soaked lament “Broken Pieces”.
”Absolutely Criminal” is literally swamped in the seamier side of sleazy and none the worse for it either. It doesn’t hurt that it has a catchy chorus and fine harmonies to add to the overall effect, of course.
The odd and slightly sinister “Quicksand Blues” has a strangely psychedelic edge to it which somehow made it at odds with what had gone before – not necessarily in a bad way but just not as instantly enjoyable to me. “Raising The Dead” returns to winning ways with another fine chorus and a hefty dose of low slung, twanging guitar.
The insistent “Damn Too Bad” is blues infused with a vocal and pedal effects feel that could have come from any 1970’s stadium band the right side of Free.
“Slow Drag” completely encapsulates the late night attempts to lift yourself off the bar-stool at 2:00 am before “Coda” is a neatly melancholic closer as you finally crawl exhausted into the taxi. Gary Martin even states ‘That’s it!’ at the very end to illustrate that the evening’s event has come to its conclusion and we should venture home. Or hit “play again”.
The production is effectively understated and the rhythm section of Eric Rodger on bass and Tom Hohn on drums are superbly on point and as classy as you could expect. Gary Martin provides often exquisite guitar work and differing styles of vocal that suit each particular song perfectly.
It is the songs themselves that compliment everything and encompass the varying elements of all that is good in the world of waistcoat wearing, bar band sleazy n’ roll.
This is good music, timeless and fun.
Highly Recommended
01. In Exile
02. Last Groove In Town
03. Ain’t It Strange
04. Broken Pieces
05. Absolutely Criminal
06. Quicksand Blues
07. Raising The Dead
08. Damn Too Bad
09. Slow Drag
10. Coda
Gary Martin – lead vocals, guitar
Eric Rodger – bass, backing vocals
Tom Hohn – drums
BUY
riffhausmusic.com/rattle-bones-pittsburgh-usa
