Euphoria Station – Smoking Gun
The Los Angeles-based band Euphoria Station, which was founded by vocalist Saskia Kraft van Ermel and guitar virtuoso Hoyt Binder, have released their third album of roots rockin’ vibey songs, Smoking Gun. With a rhythm section from Robben Ford and Gov’t Mule, this album pushes the envelope of the band’s Southern Rock vibe out further as it adds a raw power to their repertoire.
“Amazing Grace (In Memory Of….)” is a short intro for what’s to come, with an electric guitar homage to those Southern Rock musical heroes who have passed on. Then the intensity picks up with a cover of The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Take the Highway,” and pops of reedy flute ride the energy up to the top as Saskia sings of those who have fallen.
On “Smoking Gun,” there is a driving prog rock style pulse and the nagging thought you can’t escape: “Held a gun at thirteen
/ Practicing all day
/ Shootin’ empty cans, oh Lord
/ Just a kid making play
/ Now a man of eighteen
/Learning to be brave
/ Feeling like a rolling stone
Always runnin’ from my grave
/
fame and fortune always has a price you have to pay.” The cymbals that crash behind the extended electric jam emphasize what this band is capable of.
“Nowhere Junction” is an instant gut-grabber and you’ll be dancing no matter where you are: “Now I carry the pain, my cross to bear, how could I forget that day you held me, sharing our love together.” On “Off the Beaten Path” Hoyt breaks out the dobro and the electric guitar winds around the center.
“The Ballad of Grace Malloy” is a heavy resonator instrumental lullaby. Later on “Dusty Roads” there are melodies that follow one another in turns with high flute and low fuzzy guitars, and later, organ, taking turns over and over to a delightful trippy effect in another instrumental.
This album is a Southern Rock celebration, and a highly respectable continuation of the genre. Musical communication and thoughtfulness are in the forefront, the flute is a great touch, and the vocals are magnetic. Find our more details here on their website http://www.euphoriastation.com or on BandCamp here: https://euphoriastation.bandcamp.com
Musicians on Smoking Gun are Saskia Kraft van Ermel on vocals; Hoyt Binder on guitars, dobro, and harmony vocals; Toss Panos (Robben Ford) on drums; Ronald Van Deurzen on piano and Hammond B3; Rebecca Kleinmann on flute; Jorgan Carlsson (Gov’t Mule) on bass; and Mike Disarro on harmony vocals.
Smoking Gun was produced by Hoyt Binder and Saskia Kraft van Ermel; mixed by Smiley Sean and mastered by Howie Weinberg.