Ripping at the constraints of the “roots-rock” niche, The Felice Brothers deliver a multi-flavoured, sometimes bewildering set of songs. Opener “Fire at the Pageant,” with its cries of “Calm down!” and “Call 911!” while an undead patriarch meanders back into town, sets the table for absurdity. More frenzy ensues on “Honda Civic” around accordion, brass and “mass confusion on the Interstate.” Ill-gotten gain, shattered dreams and a persistent throb drive “Ponzi.” Other narratives benefit less from comprehensibility. The gulf between the best and worst songs is vast. Hard blues label Fat Possum appears to be up for anything.
This article appears in Jul 21-27, 2011.