The Outlaw Orchestra return with their new album “Makin’ Tracks”
The Outlaw Orchestra are David Roux (Guitar & Lead Vocals), Pete Briley (Banjo, Lapsteel, Pedalsteel Bass, Guitar, Synth & Vocals) and Ryan Smith (Drums, Percussion & Vocals) and come from the deep south, or Southampton to be precise and play a wonderful mix of rock, southern bluegrass and country. We reviewed their debut album “Pantomime Villains” in May 2020 and awarded it a top score of 10/10 which had some incredible tracks, the pick of which, for me was ‘Burn the House’.
So on hearing they were releasing a new album, I got online and pre-ordered. Took my mugshot and became one of the rouge outlaws for the album artwork (sorry to ruin the look of the sleeve guys with my ugly mug lol).
So, a 10/10 debut score, and pre-ordered vinyl excitement…… No pressure for this one then lads !
“Makin’ Tracks” has 11 tracks, and we kick off with Done My Time which sets the scene perfectly, as the unmistakable sound of a wild west loco steams away leaving us to the musings of a hard working navvy building the railway to earn his nickel and dime. A powerful track with a pulsing tone drive by the powerful drums and bass perfect to stamp your cowboy boot heel to. A track about sweat and grime, with an infectious beat, and a wonderful almost spoken section towards the end as the track builds.
Next up we have Red Rag with a cool rasping country guitar riff that really sets the mood and adds to the blues feel to this one. The vocals have a wonderful deep soulful feel to it as well, with some delightful guitar licks and a sweet sweet guitar solo and a fantastic end that really showcases Dave’s vocal skills as he draws out the final words.
We mix things up a little with Rollin Stone as the banjo tones underscore this track giving it added depth. Again, the deep bass tones that are a feature of this album and prominent and give it a wonderful mellow feel. Punchy and strong, Ryan’s drumming is once again exceptional here. The guitar riffs really give it that blues rock edge, before a wonderful, but brief Hammond organ like interlude. Another real great track to sing along with and to stomp your feet, with a beer in hand.
We really hit the country swing with the introduction of Enough About Me with it’s slide guitar and banjo prominent from the outset. A real hit of the deep south ! With a fantastic punchy snare drum and bass drum driving the rhythm section. The whole arrangement has a real hoe down feel to it. Then, unexpectedly at the end the pace changes and slows for a vocal section, before drawing to a close with what else, but that slide guitar.
The style changes again as Back In The Game blasts out at us, as the bass drum builds supported by power chords before the full power of this country laden rock track hits us. Again, there’s a sweet melodic banjo tone underpinning the track and supports the loud, gravelly deep toned vocals. It really delivers a hard hitting, pounding rock beat that has me banging my fingers on the desk to it’s groove.
Got It Made slows the pace down and is a nice interlude, as it’s acoustic strummed guitar starts us off into an old school country ballad, supported by that subtle slide guitar track running through it, that really give it that country emotion. Indeed the whole track is full of those blues country tones that deliver a mellow relaxing vibe. It’s this kind of track that really set The Outlaw Orchestra out from others.
Rattlesnake Sour Over-Proof is one of my favourite tracks on the album. Crisp clear guitar work and a pounding drum, and bass backing track really make this one stand out. With less vocals, this one lets the music showcase the bands talents. Loud and powerful, with some wonderful catchy riffs… It’s a real foot stomper, and the kind of track you just can’t sit still through.
Then we get a real surprise….. as Sea Legs rolls in like the sea mist. With the addition of a violin it sets this track out as very different from the rest of the album. It’s a stunner. Dave’s vocals take centre stage in this emotive and slow ballad, that literally gave me goose-bumps the first time I heard it. The vocals really are just incredible, still with that husky edge, but mellow and soulful and they match so well with the violin tones. Simply stunning !
Then straight back into the classic styling so familiar to The Outlaw Orchestra fans with There's No Easy Way To Say This, a real killer riff laden track that blows you away. The boys are really on fire here.
Blame The Horse has a wonderful soft intro, with almost Hispanic guitar tones and light cymbal taps coming through as the guitar builds and brings this track to life. I had a real western movie feel here, before the drums burst in and drive the track on. Once again the vocals and spot on – deep and soulful.
And finally we come to the final track End Of The Line. Drawing the album to a close we have a wonderful soft and subtle track, Dave’s vocals supported by soft acoustic guitar. A surprise at only 1:04 long, but somehow perfect…… A simple closure, as the song says, the end of the line, but…. It’s not is it, as Dave ends with a cheeky laugh….
So was it worth the wait ? Am I glad I pre-ordered it months ago ? In keeping with the country blues rock mood ……….. hell yeah ! Their debut album “Pantomime Villains” was outstanding, and I guess it’s a kind of music that some may find ‘samey’ but The Outlaw Orchestra continue to deliver something new and interesting. Musically the album is incredible, and I loved the new elements to this one - Sea Legs is a welcome addition and I simply loved the short ending in The End of the Line.
Overall “Making Tracks” is an excellent album. Powerful, yet with softer more mellow moments, it balances these elements of the blues/country rock genre very well.
As my Dad would say “The boys done good” and it’s well worth a 9/10 from LiveWire Music.
“Makin’ Tracks” is out 29 October 2021 and available to order now here: https://www.theoutlaworchestra.com/
You can also see the boys on the road real soon too, as they have just announced they are supporting Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons on their UK tour alongside Florence Black, details below:
