The first new album from this venerable band of New York guitar slingers in 23 years is a welcome return to form. Sounding as fresh as ever and full of life’s experiences, “Elvis Club” is an instant pleaser.
Produced by guitarist/vocalist extraordinaire Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, the songs have a crispness – yet exude a warmth that few records currently available emit. “When The Drugs Kick In” opens the album in that well-loved Del Lords fashion – Scott Kempner’s world weary vocals with a melancholic yet wry delivery and guitars, guitars, guitars. “Princess” has a heavy riff built around a minor chord structure; a rich boogie/swamp-rock feel and a damn catchy chorus. “Chicks, Man!” motors along at 100 m.p.h. with an acoustic rockabilly rave-up punch. “Flying” is the album’s standout with lead vocals by Eric Ambel and if I may, it reminds of the best works of John Mellencamp – if he lived in New York, he’d write a song as good as this.
“Everyday” is co-written with the one and only legend, Dion and solidifies this band’s pure American roots style with its country-fied hooks and singalong nature – it should be noted the bass is played on this by another legend, Steve Almaas. “Me And The Lord Blues” is another Eric Ambel vocal; another heavy, ’70’s style rock piece, heavy on the R-O-C-K. “Damaged” is classic rock ‘n’ roll swing and “Southern Pacific”, the Neil Young masterpiece, closes out the album and more than satisfies. Eric Ambel’s vocals are right on the one and is undoubtedly another standout.
All in all, this album is an instant classic and simply put, pop this CD in the car, turn it up and GO.