On his fifth release,
Reverend Horton Heat returns with more of the Southern-fried rockabilly sound for which he's become primarily known.
The Reverend is unfortunately one of the most overlooked rock guitarists today, who really deserves more attention (just check out the roaring instrumental album opener "The Pride of San Jacinto"). And although the trio (which also includes
Jimbo Wallace on stand-up bass and
Scott Churilla on drums) is also one of the most energetic live bands around, they've had a problem in the past matching their spirited performances with memorable songs. The filler problem isn't entirely solved on their latest,
Space Heater, but one cannot deny the contagious, humorous personality contained in such highlights as "Lie Detector," "Hello Mrs. Darkness," and "Jimbo Song." The band set out to enter the studio without any songs written, and attempted to write 30 songs in 30 days. They were able to accomplish their goal, and cut down the original pool of songs to the best 16 (with an extra unlisted track at the end). Although 1994's
Liquor in the Front is widely regarded as
the Reverend's finest,
Space Heater certainly isn't far behind. ~ Greg Prato