Black Water Gospel,
Black Water Gospel



Label: Fat Caddy Records

(4 out of 5)

Contrary to textual appearances, Black Water Gospel is not a gospel band. As it proves again and again throughout its self-titled debut, this Austin-based quartet is firmly rooted in the alt.rock/alt.country hybrid space inhabited by such roots rockers as the Drive-By Truckers, Ryan Adams, and the Old 97s.

Musically, Black Water Gospel is solid, with Jesse Duke on guitar, Dan White on bass, and Andy Morris on drums. Duke especially is given space to shine on the debut CD.

But it's the searing vocals of Juan Gutierrez that separate Black Water Gospel from the Americana pack. Gutierrez mesmerizes with his beautifully scarred voice and impassioned delivery.

The band is at its best on fast-paced, adrenaline-laced rockers "Six Down" (listen), "Once Forbidden" (listen), "Back to Myself" (listen), "On the Road" (listen), and especially the vengeful "Walk on Stilts" (listen). These songs simply beg you to nudge your speakers' volume up a couples notches to experience their full sonic impact.

Sharing producer credits with the band is the Grammy®-nominated Michael Ramos, who also adds accordion, organ, string, and other contributions.

Take it from one fortunate enough to see a couple live shows — Black Water Gospel's frenetic energy is no studio creation, but rather a representative re-creation of the band's infectious live intensity.

(Note: You may purchase Black Water Gospel directly from Fat Caddy Records.)

September 3, 2005