“Balls Out Inn” is a striking introduction to this little Texas trio that could (not their first record, but first for Small Stone and first to these ears). Consequently, they out-rock most anything I have heard in a while. Guitarist/vocalist Bobby Ed Landgraf has enough shit-hot licks to make Billy Gibbons take notice and Stevie Ray turn a tad in his deadbox. Bassist/vocalist/producer Jeff Pinkus (ex BUTTHOLE SURFERS) conjures up enough evil low-end thunder from down under to put a spell on any and all of us four-stringed fools. Drummer Kenny Wagner plays all the right parts so perfectly that it’s kinda scary. This record has the sound of a three guy band thanks in no small part to minimal guitar overdubbing (with a bassist like Pinkus there is not much of a need for that anyways). The vocals (or neckholes as these guys identify it) are definitely up to par with the riffs.

Make no doubt about it, this is high-energy stuff made by pro musicians. No amateur or barely intermediate indie idiots are using up any of the precious oxygen in the jam room that keeps HONKY members alive and alert. This is the real deal. The balls out opening cut “Love to Smoke Your Weed” is something I think most of us can relate to at one time or another. “Getting’ It” and the title track remind me of early Hagar-era MONTROSE a tad. “Trespassin’ ” totally pummels with a power hard to put into words. “Broken Days” is kind of on the ballad-like tip in a SKYNYRD sort of way. “Undertaker” and “Lookin’ Green” are like “Tejas” era ZZ TOP on steroids hangin’ with CLUTCH. “Plugs, Mugs and Jugs” is an instrumental that effortlessly pulverizes PELICAN in the first 20 seconds kinda like Mike Tyson did Larry Holmes in 1987. “I Like the Way You Have Fun” closes the proceedings with a footstompin’ hoedown not unlike fellow Texans DOO RAG. Thirteen tunes that are all killer and no filler. Nice.

- Herring

OFFICIAL SITE: www.honky.net

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: Buck Bunny

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.