| CD REVIEW Broughton's Rules |
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Band : Broughton's Rules Composed of former members of Don Caballero (guitarist Jeff Ellsworth) and Blunderbuss (bassist Jim Nemeth,, guitarist Ben Matthews) (I haven’t been able to trace any of drummer Dennis Kern's antecedents, but it would seem that originally Ellsworth joined Blunderbuss members Nemeth and Matthews, plus drummer Bill Baxter for a reformation of that band...and when the latter was replaced by Kern they also changed their bandname), this Pittsburg (Pennsylvania) based instrumental (well, they dó have a couple of songs) outfit herewith delivers its debut full-length. Having had the album in my possession for something over two months now, and having uploaded it onto my mp3-player at a rather early stage, I've been able to relish over the band's offerings from time to time. I've also had some time to check the Internet for some additional info on the band, but to little avail...because there wasn't much to find. Ach, some related history lesson then? Lookks like the band named themselves after the boxing rules set up by one John “Jack” Broughton, and English bare-knuckle fighter whom was the first ever to codify a set of rules to be used in such contests (before the “rules” were rather loosely defined, with a tendency to change from contest to contest). Born in 1703 or 1704, Broughton started to make a name for himself from the 1730's, apparently loosing no contest thanks to the technique of defense and attack which he developed. With his winnings and the help of rich patrons he eventually bought an amphitheatre in 1745 where fights (and other spectacles) were held under Broughton's rules. Having retired as England's undefeated champion in 1744, he stepped back in the right to settle a dispute with Jack Slack, whom had allegedly insulted him. Due to a lucky punch in between the eyes he suffered extensive bleeding, was unable to see his opponent, and duly forced to stop the fight, to some embarrassment (and his downfall, because one of his patrons happened to be a prince whom had bet heavily on his winning the fight). Accused with having thrown the fight, the amphitheater was foreclosed. Broughton continued to train young fighter until his death, leaving his family a nice fortune thanks to the antiques and furniture business he'd started after the closure of the amphitheatre. From Broughton's death in 1789's England to 1853's Far West is quite a jump, and one which my mind cannot find a link for...except that they're both things of the past. Perhaps the “past” thing is in reference to the fact that the musicians went back, in more recent time, towards the '70s styles of Krautrock, and even further back, to the Ennio Morricone days of twangy guitar soundtrack music (reminiscent also of late '50s and early '60s Surf Pop/ Rock), linking it to an equal part of contemporary and heavy Post-Rock? As mentioned earlier, the music is mainly instrumental, and exceptions are made only for the song “Broadside” ...one of two tracks posted at myspace.com/broughtonsrules. But really, to get properly acquainted with the band you should look up their page at Facebook, where each and every song on the album can be streamed for your audio pleasure! Great stuff this, and recording engineer Al Sutton did a wonderful job captivating the quartet's prolific (with 13 tracks, you're treated to an album almost 66 minutes in length) feel for catchy music at his Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak (MI). Towards the end of November the band starts a short tour in promotion of the album...regrettably restricted to the East Coast, and to a mere couple of shows! About my rating...some of you may know I have strong positive feelings for instrumental Rock/ Metal music, and when the sounds come as masterly manipulated as in this case, it's hard nót to look upon the offerings as year-list material! 98/100 Tony. |
