Crooks is Josh Mazour on guitar and
vocals, Rob Bacak on drums, and Sam Alberts playing
everything else (trumpet, guitar, banjo, etc.). I first saw
them at the Mohawk’s inside stage early last year. I
actually don’t even remember which band I originally went to
see. The only thing I recall is Crooks stealing the
show.
Normally, I'm not even a huge fan of country music unless
it's Western Swing or Outlaw County, both of which are
obviously pretty specific genres. Crooks, fortunately
for me, essentially falls into the latter category.
They incorporate a little of what I call Forest Rock (others
may call it indie folk) along with some blues and a slew of
other things that make them a true Texas band. Also,
and this may be the best part, Crooks are probably the only
band you’ll find on Red River playing any sort of variation
of outlaw country.
The song
that got me hooked on Crooks was My First, which has
a steady strum reminiscent of He War by Cat Power.
What really makes it work though is the trumpet. I
love how it soars throughout and gives the song a dramatic
quality. Listen to it and you can just picture a
saloon, whisky, and a good old fashioned bar fight.
Or, if you're feeling dangerous, an old Western town where
two gun slingers are in the middle of a Mexican standoff.
:Crooks
- My First:
By the way, I read this was the first song that they wrote
as a band. When a song like that is your starting
point, you know you’ve got something special. Hank
Williams and Johnny Cash would be proud.
Catch Crooks this Sunday at the Mohawk as they complete
their west coast tour with Western Ghost House (Woodsboss is
also on the bill). If you miss that show you can also
catch them as they play with The Golden Boys at Stubb’s Jr.
as part the WOXY Local Residency Series.
:Crooks
- Give Me Good Reason:
Dan Corbin also writes for a blog called DC Rock
Club. If you would like to contact him in
regards to his writings here at Side One: Track One
then please do so
here.
- Dan Corbin
-
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otherwise expressly stated, all text in this blog and any
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John Laird under a
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