Archive Review: Halfacre Gunroom’s Wrecked (2004)

It should come as no surprise that Memphis, Tennessee is experiencing a roots-rock revival, carried on the shoulders of bands like the Porch Ghouls and Halfacre Gunroom. The home of Stax Records, Elvis Presley, Sun Records, Dewey Phillips, Sam Phillips, Holiday Inn, and Rufus Thomas, the city on the bluff has deep roots in American music and culture, a legacy that few cities can legitimately claim.

Wrecked is Halfacre Gunroom’s debut, a red-hot rocker that weds alternative country influences with a restless punk rock spirit, a Memphis version of Jason and the Nashville Scorchers. Bryan Hartley is the ringleader here, a skilled wordsmith with a Johnny Cash baritone and a firm grasp on the heavenly concept of “glorious din” while the band, including guitarist Brian Wallace, manufacture a joyous noise. Wrecked is a maelstrom of bluesy vocals, savage guitar riffs, powerful rhythms, and songs that dance too closely on the brink of disaster.

Hartley reminds me a lot of Joe Grushecky, his lyrics telling stories of people who work too hard, drink too much, love too quickly and, at the end of the day, still find the strength to carry on in the face of adversity. This is blue-collar roots-rock – Southern style – as only a band from Memphis could deliver, Springsteenesque tales matched with a rowdy twang and a belief in the power of rock ‘n’ roll that the Boss lost years ago. Highly recommended for fans of Slobberbone, Uncle Tupelo, or the V-Roys. (Icarus Records)

Review originally published by Jersey Beat zine...