Bum ba dum da dum, bum da dum da dum. No, that buzzing bassline isn't the man with the mole (well, Johnny Colt may have some moles, too, but I'd rather not think about it) it's the second coming of Atlanta's ASPHALT BLASTER. This new single shows a down 'n dirty biker sound, very fitting for these southern scalawags, and something of a change from the CULT/FOGHAT vibe of last year's "Third Eye Glowin'" single. What is different is the grittiness, but what's the same? Well, this EP has the same get-outta-yer-seat-and-shake-yer-ass groove that this band always delivers. I realized listening to this that ASPHALT BLASTER does remind me of those ultra-fun early Roth-era VAN HALEN albums. Not really in a musical sense, but in their three-ring-circus way of presenting themselves, and never taking things too seriously. That makes great shows, and a band that you'll want to follow all over the dirty south. This is tuneage for highway speeding and keg-tapping....and it's all tied up in leather 'n studs and a pack of unfiltered Camels.

ASPHALT BLASTER's cover of MOTÖRHEAD's "Shoot You In The Back" comes through remarkably close to the raw energy of the original version...with a drizzle of Jack Daniels spunk for good measure. Plus, how many CDs do you have that feature Neil Diamond and Chris Robinson trading vocals on a MOTÖRHEAD cover? Umm...this would be my first. Deaf forever in blue jeans! Snake bite love on the rocks! What's next, Bacharach in black? Tongue-in-cheek fer sure, but still essential stuff.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/asphaltblaster

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