There is really only one word you need to sum up the live show of Reverend Horton Heat… SCORCHING!

Despite the fact that the two opening acts were quite a bit younger than the mighty Reverend, it was he himself that had the most charisma and energy on the stage of the Ogden Theater on this sweltering Friday night. Pulling out all the stops and ferociously wailing away on his Gretsch White Falcon, the Rev energized an otherwise lethargic crowd into a frenzy of rockabilly get-up-and-go. I've seen the Reverend a few times over his career, and can say without a doubt this was the best show I've experienced. The band tore through songs from their newest YepRoc Records release Revival, as well as making nods to every album they've released. All the ultra classics were well represented, with "Martini Time" kicking out the jams like never before. But the real standouts were from Revival, blistering, nee SCORCHING, versions of "Callin' In Twisted" and "Revival" were highlights of the show, as well as each instrumental interlude, including "The Happy Camper".

There was no doubt that Reverend Horton Heat knows how to rock. Jim Heath is a better guitar player than he was just a few short years ago, and especially so after focusing back on the more country/twang aspects of his music and abandoning a bit of the rockier edge he had strayed towards for an album or two. Jimbo Wallace still knows how to slap that big ol' upright bass and coerce sounds out of his instrument that seem just a bit preternatural. A friend and I stood there wondering who the kid was banging away on the drums, obviously it wasn't the beloved Scott Churilla we've come to love over the years. But, even with some younger guy filling in on the skins, this band is at the peak of their live prowess (thus far). If you've got any rockabilly bones in your body, don't think twice about it, just go on out and get a ticket to see the Reverend live.

You won't be sorry. You'll be dancing.

-Embo Blake

Reverend Horton Heat
Ogden Theater, Denver, CO
July 23, 2004
www.reverendhortonheat.com

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