Anyone familiar with the Fugazi-on-acid mayhem of Drive Like Jehu
and the Hot Snakes will love this new Rick Froberg project. While the
absence of Rocket from the Crypt’s John Reis is noticeable, it doesn’t
leave Obits lacking in energy or vigour. This is as much an
rockabilly-infused adrenaline rush as any Hot Snakes outing ( “Talking
to the Dog” and “Widow of my Dreams”), but perhaps with just a hint of
restraint, which turns up on “SUD” and the most excellent slo-burn
track “Milk Cow Blues.” Drummer Scott Gursky’s (Shortstack) tight
180-BPM attack is countered by tight slow-arching guitar from Froberg
and guitarist Sohrab Habibion.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2009.