The Domino Kings are back for another set of rollicking country. I do mean country, by the way. The stuff with twangy guitars, lyrics that range from the weepy to raising hell, and a strong honky-tonk beat to let you kick up a storm.
Guitarist Steve Newman shows off more of the chops highlighted on their last effort Life and 20. With a nod to players like Don Rich and Don Nichols, and a tip of the cap to current guys like Pete Anderson, he definitely breaths life into a field that has become somewhat stale in the past few years. Check out his solos on the title cut; a twangy solo in the middle (baritone guitar?) is excellent, even ending with a quote from “Day Tripper.” Then going out is a big Tele solo with monster bends and nasty twang. Same deal for “Sad Side of Town.” Pretty much a textbook of this style. The popish “I Fell” lets Steve show off a different side with pops and squeals that tell you he’s heard plenty of rock and rollers too. The swampy “Show Me” blends pretty much every genre of American music. “Either Way” has some nasty slide chops. And “Wine Me Up” is honky-tonk heaven, with its clever play on words and twangy guitars.
This is an excellent album. Guitarists with country leanings will definitely want to check out Newman’s stylings.
This article originally appeared in VG‘s Sept. ’02 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.