CD REVIEW: TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – Ride On

Label: Carved Records

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Having seen Texas Hippie Coalition (“THC”) at Rocklahoma back in 2008 or 2009, I knew what to expect from the band in essence, but you never know what time and personnel changes can do to a band.  “El Diablo Rojo” opens the disc with an ominous sound and then some killer riffs.  The vocals, handled by band co-founder Big Dad Ritch, are still full throttle southern rock and they blend well against the heavy guitars, bass, and drums.  “Splinter” is next and it keeps the rock groove rolling, with a heavy bottom end, compliments of the other founding member of the band John Exall.  “Go Pro” is a mellow rocker that gives Big Dad Ritch a chance to demonstrate his vocals, moving from tempered singing to hard rock vocals and back again, and he sounds incredibly like Austin Winkler (formerly of Hinder) on this track.  “Bottom Of The Bottle” is more Southern metal that shows glimpses of influences while sounding like THC from start to finish.  The vocals add grit to the tracks chorus.  “Ride On” brings a heavier groove back to the disc, without dragging the mood or tempo down with it.  The bottom end from Exall and drummer Timmy Braun anchors this track nicely.

“Monster In Me,” which happens to be the first single released from the disc, kicks off with a killer tempo and riff from Cord Pool that builds slowly throughout the song and gives us a glimpse into the heart of the THC monster.  This song best defines the sound, swagger, and  attitude of this band.  “Rock Ain’t Dead” has a cool tribal groove that opens the disc that eventually morphs into a breakneck rock groove underneath the vocals and guitar.  This track gives the chugging guitars room to play and add punch to the track in spots without running away with the song.  “Rubbins Racin” tips its hat to the racing circuit, stealing a quote from “Days Of Thunder.”  The fast tempo of this song lends itself to a racing mentality and vibe.  The solo in this one really shines and gives Pool room to demonstrate his talent.  “Fire In The Hole” gives the disc another track that is radio ready.  The groove created by the guitars and bass pound nicely against the drums, giving this a cool feel that blends well with the drums and vocals.  “I Am The End” closes the disc on a different note.  The song opens and sounds nothing like the other tracks on the disc, but quickly morphs into a heavy rocker sure to get the blood pumping and the foot tapping.  All of that said and it is evident that time and personnel changes have only made this band stronger and hungrier…

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Category: CD Reviews