Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Five Outsiders - On The Run
 | This is a really fine release from a Swedish band new to my ears. The music is spaghetti western surf and more, often quite original. I found myself liking much of this album a lot. The music is well developed and arranged. Only the drums are not well recorded, but that mostly is not a problem. |
Picks: New Outfit, Peacemaker, Caveman, Moonshine Rider, Stompin' at the Bar, Straight Jacket, El Caballero Negre, Highway Man, Ridin' South, The Undertaker, El Hobo, The Showdown
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
The two guitars ring in surf with beautiful reverb tone. The haunting melody is attractive and spatial. Rhythmic and dramatic, and a little imposing, yet delicate and very cool. Wow!
Surf (Instrumental)
In a cross between spaghetti and surf, "Peacemaker" is both clean and trashy at the same time. The rhythm and sax drive while the guitars ring. Quite nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
Not like either of the other instros with the name "Caveman," this track is adventurous, with a dark rhythm track that pulses with surf while the lead guitar throbs with vibrato and the sax is Steve Douglas-nasty surf. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
A running gate, a slight nod to Del Shannon, and a broad open space feel. "Moonshine Rider" is a fine track with a familiar feeling and melody, yet original and rich.
Country Surf (Instrumental)
Drums like Link Wray's "El Toro" open, but the rest of the song is not like that at all. "Stompin' at the Bar" is a bouncing country prancer with reverb. Way fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
marching band drums, spaghetti twang and drama, and chop-chord rhythm. "Straight Jacket" features a raw sax lead and a definite richness. Quite a fine track.
Surf (Instrumental)
"El Caballero Negre" sports a great galloping rhythm and whammy chords behind a rich spaghetti melody. This track reminds me of the Hellbenders some. Wonderful!
Surf (Instrumental)
Danger is portrayed through big twang chords and thunder, while the lead guitar drives home the story with edge. Big and threatening, "Highway Man" is a stinging paean to the bad guys of the road.
Surf (Instrumental)
Open road rhythms and a forward looking melody, augmented with sax breaks, reminds me of the Eliminators, but more open country then that might imply. Rich and rolling with the wind in your hair. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Dramatic with intensity, dark with a moody edge, "The Undertaker" is intentional and not fluid, yet has some fine playing and power. It's not fluid because the rhythm is deliberate and metered, but it does move well.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a very fun track, rhythmically a little like the Mermen's "Emylou Rides Clarence West, and the South." The melody is pure spaghetti, and the bass country cool. The combination is very enticing. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
A dramatic opening yields to a loud and thick track with a harsh drama and big sound. At times, it shimmers, and at others it overwhelms. Quite interesting.