ARTIMUS PYLEDRIVER - Artimus Pyledriver

ARTIMUS PYLEDRIVER
Artimus Pyledriver
DRT Entertainment
7.5/10




Perhaps if the members of AC/DC had been born in Louisiana or if Jackyl paid a bit more attention to their Allman Brothers records, you'd have a band that sounds like Artimus Pyledriver. Thick, syrupy blues riffing and the clenched-throat growl of Dave Slocum make tracks like "Swamp Devil" and "Ride On” exactly the sort of fare that the bikers in Hell, Michigan love to hear at the Dam Site Inn. While you won’t find an overabundance of guitar acrobatics, Artimus Pyledriver could certainly open the evening at a BLS gig and get a warm reception. In the same respect, you would be just as likely to see the band sharing the stage with Gov't Mule.

Slocum's voice is going to be an acquired taste for many and you're either going to enjoy his whiskey-drenched belting or you're not, no doubt about it. Mostly, this type of swampy stuff is well-suited for those who can appreciate NOLA-type material but look for a bit more rock in their music.

Admittedly, upon first hearing this band some time ago, their concept was a bit difficult to grasp, but after hearing the Kinghorse-meets-Sleep "Shaggin' Ass" and the sludgy rock anthem "Dixie Fight Song,” Artimus Pyledriver has scored some major points in the real-deal department. Look to "Dirt Road White Girl" for an example of Southern-fried Sabbath boogie that's sure to get you up off your ass. A slowly burning lead sets this track off nicely.

While Artimus Pyledriver may take some warming up to, it’s well worth the effort. With a minor bit of tweaking, this band could make an enormous impact.


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