Search - Dexter Romweber :: Blues That Defy My Soul

A pioneer of lo-fi rockabilly continues his solo trek

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 12/02/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though Romweber's been recording a similar mix of psychobilly and blues since his days in the Flat Duo Jets, his latest solo release distills the formula to its essence. Playing with a trio, and with Southern Culture on the Skids Rick Miller producing, Romweber sounds like a rockabilly version of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. His rhythm section (Sam Laresh on drums and Andrew Maltbie on bass) provide a rambunctious backing for the raucous guitar and growly, Tom Waitsian vocals. Originals like the jump-blues rockabilly "Rockin' Dead man" and the go-go instrumental "Nabonga" sit well with covers of obscurities like Benny Joy's "Come Back" and the Charlie Rich ballad "I've Lost My Heart to You." Add surf-tinged instrumentals like "Nephretite" and "Nabonga" and you have one fine rock 'n' roll LP."

New-age rockabilly that defies the soul.

Brett Lemke | www.maximumink.com | 07/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Upbeat rockabilly rhythms that wax philosophic of slack-jawed sepia-tinted times. The echoey tremolo and clean tones of Romweber's guitar meld well with the use of Andrew Maltbie's electric bass. Sam Laresh handles the percussion; rounding off the three-piece that combines a frantic, period correct Slingerland sound with modern rhythm equipment. The trio includes some more-complex surf tunes like "Nephretite", and the New Orleans themed "Unharmonious". A jump-blues isn't out of the question either, as "The 309" will get you out of your seat and swing dancing. Romweber doesn't get stuck on this record; He incorporates yesteryear with neo-rockabilly and creates a sound that screams a studious nod to everyone from Hank Williams to Bo Diddley to Joe Strummer. "Blues That Defy My Soul" is an excellent record because of its true diversity across both sides. All content copyright www.maximumink.com"

Great fun

Koen van der Drift | Chapel Hill, NC | 06/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great album, I got it from my kids for Fathers day. Best thing is, it makes me want to pick up my guitar and play along."