The first time I heard of the Urban Hillbilly Quartet, it was from a friend who had seen them in concert and likened them to Havalina Rail Co. From this album, that seems to be about the closest comparison possible, although direct comparisons are difficult, if not impossible here.
After all, UHQ, like Havalina, is incredibly difficult to pigeonhole. Are they a rock band? Definitely. Folk? Sure. Jazz? Maybe. Country? Almost. Punk? You bet.
However, what is possible to say about this album is that despite the variety of styles, despite the mixing of instrumental and vocal tracks, the album has a flow and a storyline of sorts to it. The album begins with a series of laments on the state of the world-- "100 Years" is a track right along the lines of such respected artists as Bill Mallonee and Bruce Cockburn, with its mixture of strong, politically tinged, spiritually driven lyrics and folk-rock stylings.
Then the focus shifts to our "Need To Love," with its catchy, jazzy stylings. The lack of love makes us "More Blue," but we wind up in the excitement of the "Sunshower," an up-tempo punkabilly track, complete with 50s-style vocals in the bridge.
The album finishes with some memories of lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Erik Brandt's friend Tim, who died unexpectedly a few years ago. This gives the whole of the album a feeling of loss. However, this is not loss without hope. The instrumental, "Amelia's Boot" ends the album with the hope which bursts out from time to time throughout.
This is a brilliant work of art, navigating adeptly through its various styles, with Brandt's solid vocals helping to make the overall album work out. This might be a hard album to write about, but it is certainly not a hard album to listen to.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dave DraegerThe Urban Hillbilly Quartet has always dazzled audiences and record buyers with its fine command of a wide range of musical styles. Amelia's Boot finds the band taking chances, stretching further beyond their Americana roots to paint with some new colors, deftly adding jazz, soul, blues, and even a splash of doo-wop harmony to their canvas. Back away from the "shuffle" button. Songs are clustered…Similar sounding releases
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