“Slaughterhouse Blues” may not be the most inviting song title, but if you’re looking for a true rock and roll sound, this might just be where you want to look for it.
This track by Brooklyn based rock group Skunkmello (if nothing else, are they inventive with names, or what?) comes from their new album Hot Chicken, which dropped on June 2. There’s a definite hint of southern influence in the track, embodied by a rich blues sound, which stands out to me almost immediately. It almost provides a classic blues country sound but with some serious southern rock influences.
Though this is quite the interesting track coming from a group formed in the big city, it sure is nice to know that there is an appreciation for the sound outside of the south. The beginning of the track starts off with some serious bass guitar that is perfectly in rhythm, and by the time the tempo picks up and the drumming begins, you’re already jamming along.
The vocals definitely have that country rock feel, but a bit softer in nature. It’s almost like a mix between an alternative sound and a down south vibe. It’s actually a nice combination that really draws you in the more you listen to it. I’m not quite sure that the lyrics are extremely uplifting as they’re singing about a slaughterhouse, but it gets you dancing.
The tempo stays true throughout and the vocals fit very nicely within the tune, making for an enjoyable listening experience. It’s a very upbeat track that will get you wanting to put on your cowboy boots and start dancing. I’d say that there’s more blues and less of a classic country feel with this one, so if you’re expecting something from the golden country days you might be a bit confused, but you’ve gotta give this one a listen.
Time to breathe a breath of fresh air into the country rock scene, and Skunkmello is here to give it to you in the form of “Slaughterhouse Blues.”
