Steven Troch Band – The Dawning
12 tracks/46 minutes
Here we have another Belgian band on the Naked label. This is their fourth album and the band says they are emerging into new directions, hence the symbolism oa a new day “Dawning.” The album cover has a painting of a sunrise featured on it.
Troch handles vocals and harp. Matt T. Mahony is on the lead guitar. Miss Liesbeth Sprangers keeps a steady pace on bass and drummer Dennis de Gier completes the backline. Troch sings with a nasally vocal that he calls “weathered.” It’s got a rock sound to and and he sings and blows harp well. The guitar is solid, too. Tom Eylenbosch adds organ, banjo and backing vocals. Vic Ruggiero adds piano, Moog and the Noir vocals. Laura Vanden Heede adds her vocals in support, too.
We begin with “Be There For Myself” with Troch singing what the title says. He plays some nice harp and the guitar work is nicely done. Next is “The Mountain;” the guitar sets a groove going as Troch delivers a jumping blues rock sort of tune. His harp solo is well done.
“Deleted Scene” follows, a cut with a film noir detective theme. Troch growls a bit as he delivers the lead and also nails some more solos on his harp. Then it’s “Double Down,” a jumping instrumental blues with a great harp intro. Next it’s the organ taking over for a cool solo. Then the harp returns before giving way for the guitar to excel. The harp comes back again and takes us home.
“God Pulls the Strings” features darker vocals by Troch with a haunting melody, guitar and whistling. ”On the Road Again” is the lone cover and it’s a interesting take on the Memphis Jug Band song (not Willie Nelson’s). It’s rock, not jug band style, and it kinda works.
“Stuff” is pure rock, a cut with attitude and a vibrant guitar groove. Next is “Wonder Why” and here we get banjo in a dream light blues rock song with electric guitar and all sorts of distortion.
The next cut is a western styled song entitled “Buckriders.” Its got the clip clop of horses via percussion and ringing guitar and it’s fun as the lyrics talk about tax oppression and more. Next we have “You Came Along” is a softer, rocking cut with some clean guitar licks.
Getting rich via “The Lottery” is the dream in the next cut. It’s fun as the band gives us an old-timey tune about the benefits of hitting it big. ”The Only One” concludes things. Guttural harp and a funky groove and gritty vocals make this one different. A dirty harp blowing is offered to enjoy.
It’s certainly not your mama’s blues album. There is a little blues here and there. It’s rock, it’s a fusion of whatever was going through Troch’s mind. If you are looking for something different, try this one on for size!
