the Drams
Jubilee Dive
(New West Records)

When Brent Best’s seminal alt-country band Slobberbone finally called it quits in early 2005, it was after six mostly-terrific albums (the last two of which also came out on New West) dating back to 1994 and enough days spent on tour to make even a notorious road-hoggin’ band like Lucero nod with respect. It was also much to the dismay of their modest, but extremely loyal (borderlining on rabid) fan base scattered across the U.S. and Europe. Perhaps due in part to their quirky name (Best himself once wrote, “if we ever overcome the stigma of our name, we’ll know that we’ve truly arrived.”) or just luck of the draw, Slobberbone never enjoyed break-out success like their contemporaries and label-mates the Old 97’s and the Drive-By Truckers. But now, after some speculation of a solo career or perhaps even rock ‘n’ roll retirement, Best returns fronting the Drams, with a great new record in tow. Newcomers and longtime fans alike have cause for celebration.

Slobberbone fans will rejoice that guitarist Jess Barr and drummer Tony Harper (who, along with bassist Keith Killoren, locks down the rhythm quite capably) carried over from the old group, and that their overall sound is, though more fully developed/realized (read: bigger), a similar brand of honest, American rock music. After all, Best is still himself, and hasn’t changed his approach much - simple, tuneful melodies still frame his direct, heartfelt storytelling. What’s different is that the production values and arrangements, thanks largely to the combined efforts of producer Matt Pence (drummer of another fine TX band, Centro-matic) and keyboardist/vocalist Chad Stockslager, are vastly improved. And then there’s the fact that this might be the most personal, if not the finest collection of songs overall, Best has penned to date.

The album begins with the hearty one-two punch of “Truth Lies Low” and “Hummalong,” both of which manage to rock as hard as the ‘Bone while allowing Stockslager’s instrumental and vocal flourishes to fully round out the sound. The rest of the album skillfully alternates between rockers and ballads - from the urgent, Springsteen-esque “Unhinged,” to the album’s apex, the mournful, atmospheric “When You’re Tired,” the Drams get you hummin’, and then drag you into their little world of road-weariness, regret, and tireless optimism/dedication in spite of it all. All in all, Jubilee Dive is an excellent beginning for a band with a well-stocked reserve of unrealized promise.

Grade: B+

the Drams - “Unhinged” - MP3

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