Zack Walther Band – The Westerner
self release
10 songs time – 36:39
Although touted as an Americana-Roots band, the Texas based Zack Walther Band comes off sounding more like a Midwestern rock outfit. Zack handles vocals and guitar, Matthew Briggs on drums, guitar, vocals and bass with Mike Atkins on keyboards, vocals and bass. Various others contribute here and there. The nine originals along with one cover tune are given solid musical treatment.
“DFW” could find steady rotation on an “album oriented rock” radio station with it’s infectious guitar riff and soloing. It’s “Hey Hey” refrain is straight out of the Midwest rock scene. “What Kind Of A Man” is guitar fueled yearning rock and roll. They introduce a nifty synth riff and piano to “Payin’ For It Now”, a tale of misspent youth. The narrator of “I’m Going Out Of Your Mind” regales a girl he is leaving. Jeff Plankenhorn delivers some luscious lap steel to this one.
Next up is the upbeat “When The Show Comes To Town” with a reference to the cobra riding cowboy on the CD cover. Stinging guitars and horns propel this one. “Bad Girl” is a solid rocker while “Casualty” is more of a subdued rocker. Susan Gibson supplies an additional vocal on the catchy “Meet In The Middle”. The band delivers a good version of the Sam And Dave classic “Hold On I’m Coming” complete with horns and an un-credited harmonica player. The unknown harmonica player pops up again on “Bailey’s Light”, a bit of a breezy stroll of a song with a nice piano and guitar interlude.
All in all an enjoyable slice of rockin’ goodness that is sure to grow on the listener with each additional listen. Nothing here that approaches the blues, but everything it approaches is nicely done. If you are in the mood for a bit of a throwback sound you have definitely arrived at the right stop.
