Nether Hour – Moonshine
This Austin, Texas trio draws upon genres that include swamp rock, Texas-sized funk with generous doses of soul, blues & rock ‘n’ roll. So, they’re not a band that slathers your ears with something you haven’t heard before. However, it’s all about the presentation. Nether Hour manages to accommodate a fairly inventive showcase through their musical aggression. Of course, since everyone who picks up a guitar, plays piano, or hits the skins pours some ounce of personality into the musical notes, Nether Hour seems to have lots of personality.
Reflected in this pool of Moonshine (Drops March 28/Nether Family Records/23:32) are 8 compelling pieces. The trio tries to wrangle their live-show energy into their studio efforts. This isn’t always an easy ride. Yet, there’s success in how they capture their “character” through their unified playing. What’s missing is the heavily scented smell of atmospheric beer, the loud applause crowd, the chips & pretzels, handclapping with screams & raucous ambience. That would have to come from the listener in their music room alone with friends. There’s an orderly approach to their jam-rich program with their talent & skill spilling their music with abandon, keeping it raw & untamed. Not sloppy. It isn’t so much mayhem as enduring enthusiasm.
The majority of songs have a melodic attraction. “Look My Way” is so much so that the chord structure resembles other similar tunes. So what? Since there are just so many chord sequences in popular music. It’s the performance that’s gripping, entertaining & the vocals retain a cool, reserved dynamic.
More of a funk-infused piece is “Impatient,” which sounds like a bonus cut by the Average White Band. The upbeat shuffle drums drive the tune nicely & the Archie Drell & the Drells-type lead guitar renders this radio-friendly in some markets. What’s impressive is that the musicians don’t sound as if they’re emulating funk music; they’re living & breathing it with solid instrumentation throughout.
“Perdido” will make one wonder if Santana was involved with this inspiration. Samba-like drums & jazzy fills, striking guitars & fervent vocals allow this provocative melody to attack the feet, butts & hips. The band lays down a tight groove & sounds more at home in L.A. or one of the boroughs of New York City than Texas.
The slight interlude “Stargazer” isn’t necessary. Some tunes only suffer a little from clichéd, typical lyrics. More depth & cleverness with the words would help keep the shine on the songs. The music – that’s always assertive & soulful. Nether Hour is livelier as a dance band than a bar band & therein lies their tasty musical assortments. Anyone for seconds?
Highlights – “Look My Way,” “Impatient,” “Perdido,” & “Moonstruck.”
Musicians – Bobby Flaco (vocals/guitars), Bishop (lead guitar/mandolin), Bercy (bass) & Alvin Evans (drums).
Color image courtesy of the band’s website. CD at https://www.netherhour.com/ & https://www.milestonepublicity.com/blog/2024/11/1/austins-own-nether-hour-announces-moonshine-amp-drops-lead-single-long-as-i-aint-alone-today
