Kris Lager Band
Transient
Independent
What was accomplished on their previous effort, Roots Revival, continues into their latest CD, Transient. The Kris Lager
Band's motto is to ‘celebrate life’. But some of the song themes find individuals confronting an abyss that is a dark
reflection of their psychological make-up.
Lager could have opted and gone the copycat blues route like many of his companions. He could be recycling licks,
not caring whether his personal identity emerges. The Kris Lager Band nurture a homegrown sound, organic and alchemical.
Other flavors are thrown in the mix. Zydeco and Tex-Mex are the concoctions pushing instrumental "Good Times” like a
parade on Congo Square. When "Good Times" seamlessly segues into the instrumental "Sandals," you can get the feeling
of walking into New Orleans’ Tippitinas.
Touring with Mato Nanji from Indigenous rubs off on Kris, but only in small spots. Opening track "44" stomps with its tribal
war riffs and lyrics waxing despondency and depression. "Jenica" is a highway song driven by Lager's mean slide and
Jeremiah Weir's crescendo organ swells.
The themes of solitude run wild. Ballad "I Got The Devil" is as harsh in melancholy as "My Own Worst Enemy" that is
slow and sinister. Lager doesn't let life get him down.
It is hard to categorize The Kris Lager Band. Infusing the ingredients of blues, Tex-Mex, Zydeco, country and rock, these
youngsters are adept at flexing their muscles without being pigeonholed as a one trick pony.
- Gary Weeks -
Southwest Blues CD Review - October 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews
