It is always interesting to hear a band take on a different sound than what individuals may associate with them. Sometimes, it fails (Lil Wayne), but I can say that Not So Loud is a certifiable hit for The Bottle Rockets. Where there was a more punk and rock sound that would issue forth on previous recordings, the acoustic side of this recording ensures that fans of folk-punk and even country and bluegrass will have something that they can sink their teeth into.
The album starts out with “Early in the Morning”, a track that will have listeners singing along a mere listen after the disc first starts up. From there, The Bottle Rockets are able to add substantial nuance to their overall sound on cuts like “Lucky Break” and “Perfect Far Away”. Far from being a single-oriented album, Not So Loud is one of those albums in which the band continually builds off of previous works. What results then with the album is something that requires repeated listeners to properly get all the twists and turns which the act has placed in.
“Turn For The Worse” is one of the best tracks on the album, and this is due to the band’s continually revolutionary type of approach. The Bottle Rockets have been around for a number of years (since 1992, even), and it is refreshing to see that the band still is able to change and otherwise impress with their music. If you are a fan of the band, or just wish to hear acoustic rock and folk done right, make it a point to pick up “Not So Loud”.
Top Tracks: Early In the Morning, Perfect Far Away
Rating: 7.4/10
The Bottle Rockets – Not So Loud: An Acoustic Evening (CD) / 2011 Bloodshot Records / 13 Tracks / http://www.bottlerocketsmusic.com /