CD REVIEW: RACHEL & THE RUCKUS – Rachel & The Ruckus EP

CD REVIEW: RACHEL & THE RUCKUS – Rachel & The Ruckus EP
Independent
2015
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7/10

As bluesey and soulful as it is eclectic and catchy, Rachel & The Ruckus’s debut, self-titled EP is a neat little collection of slick, radio-friendly tunes that should open plenty of doors for them.

Led by Rachel Alena, who possesses a strong, throaty singing voice and a penchant for tickling the ivories in style, The Ruckus (Alena is joined by Alec Sims on guitar, Kyle Comerford on drums, Vince Carmellini’s bass and sax from Andrew Vogt and Max Reed, with backing vocalist Darcie Bessel completing the line-up) show they have the chops to jump around from pop rock (Romeo), to country-infused rock (the infectious Bounce), through the bluesey Leave Your Light On and Dancing With The Devil, and waggling a toe into funk-lite with Melt Away. This last track reminds us a lot of Sophie B Hawkins’ early work, and the sax solo is a great touch.

With their extended line-up, full saxy sound and diverse style, Rachel & The Ruckus are like a super-tight wedding band – but with all the cheese and schmaltz cut away: all that’s left is the cream.

https://www.facebook.com/rachelandtheruckus

 

Category: CD Reviews