Texas Headhunters – Self-Titled
This exceptional blend of deep roots, & shared reverence for the swaggering spirit of Texas blues is what the Texas Headhunters captured over a 5-day stay at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio in Texas. Three seasoned musicians who sound like an old combustion engine oiled up, greased, finely tuned, freshly painted & singing with its gears & spark plugs firing in unison.
Their 12-track bouncy debut Texas Headhunters (Drops Aug 22/Hardcharger Records /Blue Elan/40:12) was produced by Steve Chadie & Texas Headhunters. Recorded in Spicewood, & Austin, TX. The trio throws it down with muscle & beyond their playing, the variety of vocals, & well-written songs is indeed their swing & groove. They have a spirited fever that isn’t as old school as simply expertise. It’s not a garage band, not a pop country band, progressive rock, or mainstream connoisseur group.
While there’s a similar Z.Z. Top aroma that floats in some arrangements (“Maggie Went Back To Mineola” & “Burnin’ Daylight”), the band has a gripping, embedded signature sound wholly their own that’s everything. As if they crossbred Z.Z. Top with Lesie West’s Mountain & Little Feat-type vocals (“Gimme Some Love”). Their musical ingredients mix well to produce a finely tuned alchemy & identity. The set is like a bag of trail mix with lots of tasty bits.
The opener “Pocket” drives while the instrumental application is standard rock starkness; it’s the vocals that grip since there’s a stylish approach to how they vocalize. There’s an originality that’s acute throughout & the band is bursting at the seams with it. A soulful late ‘50s groove pierces the air in “Seeing Around Corners” & “Who Will Your Next Lover Be?”
Lots of well-sewn guitar interplay comes with “Kathleen,” along with crisp drum beats mixed with Gatling gun fills & a desperate vocal. A blues soaked in soul & Texas dust invokes a captivating atmosphere. Nice aching guitar solo too. A funkier upbeat dance tune spills across the floor in “Gun Barrel Boogie.”
The LP also has a structure not unlike something produced by Don Dixon, Steve Earle, or Dave Alvin. There’s a Del Lords (“Dream Come True”) touch to the proceedings, & a Jason & the Scorchers rawness. But it’s the Z.Z. Top octane that impresses the most in their performance (“Independence Day”). The songs aren’t like Z.Z. Top – they’re just a bullet that fits their chamber. This is a fun album. Bring your dancing shoes & Old Crow.
Highlights – “Pocket,” “Maggie Went Back To Mineola,” “Kathleen,” “Headhunters Theme,” “Gun Barrel Boogie,” “Independence Day,” “Seeing Around Corners,” “Who Will Your Next Lover Be?” “Gimme Some Love,” & “Burnin’ Daylight.”
Musicians – Ian Moore (guitars/vocals), Johnny Moeller (guitars/vocals/bass), Jesse Dayton (guitars/vocals/bass/percussion), with Jay Moeller & Nico Leophonte (drums), Anthony Farrell (bass/synth).
Color image courtesy of the band’s website. An 8-panel folded lyric insert is enclosed. CD @ Bandcamp & https://txhh.live/
Enjoy our interview here: Key to the Highway: Ian Moore
