ZZ TOP ~ Mescalero RCA Records

A brilliant return to their blues roots, the Texas trio shelve their layered ‘80s presentations for a stripping down affaire. “Mescalero” returns to what made these guys such a hot draw in 1970 when they debuted with “First Album”. From the minute the laser hits the title track, it’s clearly obvious these boys mean business. Retooled and re-energized, the same three banditos Billy F Gibbons (guitars/vocals), Dusty Hill (bass) and Frank Beard (drums) dig up some old bones, dust ‘em off and rattle ‘em harder than ever.

Tuning their guitars down to a thick Rio Grand sludge they resurrect dense wooly fuzz that feeds back from the speaker with a dangerous rumble. Perfectionist in writing clever tales of long-legged women, outlaw ramblings and bar room yarns, “Mescalero” does so with chunky riffs, Mariachi steel and a mix of punk country and crypto-zydeco. “Two Ways To Play”, “Piece” and the gruff “Alley-Gator” force their way through with menacing dark power-chords where “Me So Stupid” and “Punk Ass Boyfriend” capitalize on the bands sense of humor.

Even the ballad “Goin So Good” has Gibbons vocals scrapping the bottom of the barrel with his best Howlin’ Wolf while a lap steel caress the country side of the boys Tex-Mex. 16 tracks is a heavy load to commit to a single piece of plastic, especially one with no filler. “What Would You Do “ and the Spanish “Que Lastime” drag their feet but eventually find there way especially when the harmonica pastes a tasty lick over the top. The groove of “Dusted” and “Tramp” never forget Southern roots even when they bring elements of country, distorted desert rock and the occasional crunch of metal.

Supporting the disc with their Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers tour, ZZ Top prove all the more lethal with a summer pairing including Ted Nugent in the US and The Rolling Stones in Europe. The tour is already boasting “Buck Nekkid” and “Piece” as hits off the new disc. Spanning 34 years of American rock and roll and 13 records, the Texas trio break down the essence of their beginnings, woodshedding, experimenting and recording where they are in 2003. Listen for the hidden track “As Time Goes By” delivered via Louie Armstrong style.

Website: zztop.com

Review by Todd Smith http://www.thecutting-edge.net/