(This review first appeared in issue #67 of Shindig! magazine.)
Mascot CD/LP
Thomas
Wynn is a man not afraid of asking big questions, as befits someone
whose musical upbringing was centred around the Christian church.
Family, spiritual fulfilment, redemption and the hope to become a
better person are all themes which run through his band's third
album.
Longtime
local heroes, the Orlando-based sextet to opted to record in
Nashville this time round, hoping for a sound that might bring them
wider recognition. A good move. Their melting pot of classic and
country rock, southern soul and gospel sounds big thanks to a
sterling production job. Their sound may be traditional but they can
also throw nu-rock moves – the riffage and slow-burning groove on
'Burn As One' or the shifting time signature and tempos on 'We Could
All Die Screaming'.
With
hot musicianship and in-the-pocket playing this is a record for fans
of Little Feat, Drive-By Truckers and Joshua Tree-era U2.
Authentic modern Americana for grown-ups.
