Totally Objective Review: Wes Tucker & The Skillets

by Katie

In the interest of disclosure: Wes Tucker has bought me more sushi than anyone I know, and he and my sister have an awful lot of picnics on Sundays. That said, his new CD is really fucking good and you should listen to it and also come to the CD release show April 17th at Iota.

I’m struck by the tangible feeling of warmth coming from every song on “The Scorpion and the Dove,” Wes’s fourth (??) release and second with the full Skillets crew behind him. You can wear these tracks like a snuggie or a well-worn sweatshirt and just feel comfortable. That’s not to say the band takes it easy on this record. If you’re not immediately blown away by Arch’s guitar solos, you’re not paying attention. But face-melting riffs can’t save a band without solid songs behind them (case in point: all metal music). Wes’s lyrics are thoughtful, and Arch, bassist Bryan Washam, and drummer Dave Rutkowski experiment with their full sound on this album. For instance, title track “The Scorpion and the Dove” subtly uses piano chords to turn the heartwrench factor up to 8 or 9, while encore-ready “Let It Ride” adds harmonica and organ to the full band while still keeping the instrumentation light and the sound rollicking.

Tucker tips his hat to influences like Ben Harper and Jack Johnson, even riffing on Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes” with the sentimental if less fruit-themed “Take It Slow.” Propensity for three-word song titles aside, the album is a smart, engaging listen. Plus, these guys are all super nice.

It’s worth mentioning the fantastic album artwork by Jackie Jouvenal. I’m not an art reviewer, but every damn thing on this album looks beautiful. You’ll have to pick up an album to see what I mean.

CD Release Show!!!

April 17, 9pm
Iota Club and Cafe
Arlington, VA
Dean Fields opens

(poster via MySpace)