The Riverboat Gamblers-Underneath the Owl
Volcom
March 10, 2009

It took me a few listens to really appreciate the sounds coming out of my speakers on Underneath the Owl. I'd politely listen to each song thinking that they weren't much more than okay, but then everything clicked as the songs became more familiar to make. I found this akin to half-way reading a book before something snaps and you can't put it down.

This album starts off with energetic rock punk songs before slowing things down slightly ("The Tearjerker" is a flat out ballad) and even throwing in some dance-ish numbers. They don't do anything mindblowing, keeping song structures simple and allowing the hooks to do their thing. The uptempo but not too fast pace reminds me of The Hold Steady, as both bands have that bar rock feeling (except The Riverboat Gamblers do it with a smile while The Hold Steady do it with a smirk), and Underneath the Owl has some songs that'll get people moving on the dance floor.

Written by: RF
BACK