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Rock and roll music. Sometimes it seems to me that it is a disappearing
breed. But then along comes a band like Ninja Gun, and
I am once again floored by what a really good rock band can make
me feel. Crisp distorted guitars, throbbing basslines, and brilliant
drumming - all tied into a neat package- are rare these days,
but this band does it right.
Somewhere between Wilco and Dramarama, there lies
a place where Americana can mix freely with rock guitar. Ninja
Gun is a resident of that little town. It's a magical place, full
of throaty, whiskey soaked vocals… the kind that Jeff
Tweedy had before he turned into the Y generation's version
of John Lennon (i.e. ruining what could have been one of
the best bands of all time by getting a bit too artsy). Heavily
distorted guitars are the norm on Smooth Transitions, whether
they are banging out Replacements' style riffing or near
chicken picking smooth country licks. And that's fine by me. The
music here is rock solid. The songs are catchy and memorable.
The lyrics are well written, and actually make sense… mostly.
But the main thing about Ninja Gun is that they have what so much
of music lately has been lacking. Character.
So, if like me you really miss Uncle Tupelo, and their
odd mixture of country guitar and brash rock and roll rhythms,
than this record is definitely one that you'll want to pick up.
You'll play it more than once, finding new gems each time.
-L. Keane
Track Listing:
1. The Cold War Is Colder Than Ever
2. Losers Talking
3. Smooth Transitions
4. The Smoking Gun
5. Maybe You Should Explode
6. Purification Ritual
7. Dead FM
8. Jessie (she's only gonna dance with me)
9. Picture Of A Boy In His Prime
10. Unpopular Mechanics
11. Reverb
12. This Must Be The Dream
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