Reviews In: Blitzen Trapper

Blitzen Trapper

Earlier this week Blitzen Trapper released their newest album: American Goldwing, which is simply put a nostalgic tribute to classic Rock 'n' Roll. Think of an Allman Brothers/Lynyrd Skynyrd mash-up that is led by the one and only Bob Dylan. It's a humble, simple and clean reflection rooted by southern rock and poetic lyrics.

Singer Eric Earley, I'm sure has received the Dylan comparison for most of his career and American Goldwing only further exemplifies it. With Earley's raspy tone, story telling capabilities and undeniable talent it is only natural (and impressive) that he gets compared to Dylan. His inspired lyrics can't help but capture the attention of an audience, and when you take a moment to really listen to the words you get an overwhelming sense that he truly put his heart and soul into each song. A feat not only amazingly respectable but truly lacking in much of today's music industry.

The album itself is full of fun, freewheeling, catchy tunes. Songs like, "Might Find it Cheap," "Street Fighting Sun," and "Stranger in a Strange Land," define Blitzen's love for rock 'n' roll and the pure joy that comes from doing what you love. The harmonica, crazy guitar solos, old school piano and drawn out pedal steel heard throughout sealed the deal for me and American Goldwing.

Blitzen Trapper's traditionalism and classic approach has caused me to fall in love with this album. It's hard to find a band that can turn mountain music sound into a poignant yet blissful compilation of melody and harmony, yet somehow Blitzen accomplishes just that. So for the next few hundred days or so my favorite track off the album, "Love the Way You Walk Away," will be on repeat.

To listen to the American Goldwing in it's entirety visit Paste, where it will be streaming live for the next week. Also if you're in the NYC area they'll be playing at Webster Hall, October 26th.