Country Rock: Stephen Foster & Howler

Howler lays down a Southern Rock blues vamp as Stephen Foster chants out his complaints in “I’m Mad as Hell (And I’m Not Going to Take It).” As the verses do a hesitation jam, Foster’s vocal cadence matches like another instrument in the mix. The song’s rant is equal opportunity (Republicans and Democrats), and he touches on quite a few categories making it the kind of song that lets just about anyone blow off.

Elsewhere, Stephen Foster & Howler lay down fairly routine country blues rock, although tracks like “Wearin’ a Hole in the Blues” swing along enjoyably.

Yet, Foster & Howler’s strength are in the blues vamp/chants “I’m Mad as Hell” and the album closer “Why Do They Go?” Here Foster can take on the role of grumbling, disenchanted, ornery blues man, and Howler as a band can let that tension grow as the vamp plays on.

Thanks to Stephen Foster & Howler for the review CD.