Nicky C and the RSB, "Much Obliged" Album Review

Band: Nicky C and the RSB

Album: Much Obliged

Release Date: 8/2/2014 

Nick Collins: Lead Vocals and Bass
Josh Stansfield: Guitar and Backing Vocals
Justin Ehrlich: Drums

Track Listing:

1. Believe

2. Pelvis of Elvis

3. 4th Of July

4. Baltimore

5. Swing High (Ft. Austin Litz on Saxophone)

6. Fishies

7. It Takes A Woman

8. A Good Heart

9. Much Obliged

            Right off the bat Nicky C and the RSB set down the album's theme and drew me in.  The first song “Believe” begins with a bittersweet tone and  explores melancholy of love lost.  The song builds to an uplifting balance with the hopes of overcoming suffering and moving on with confidence.  These themes are revisited and investigated throughout the album.

            From its forthright beginning, the album goes through quite a few stylistic choices. At times it sounds like the band’s playing honky-tonk bar music, others jam-band style noodling, reaching the edges of punk and certainly "contemporary alternative".  It’s an impressive range, and all reflecting the overall journey of the lyrical narrative, with the message and energy of the music in sync.

            "Much Obliged" covers a lot of ground musically, but it also tells a solid story.  Embedded in their catchy refrains and screaming guitar leads are little gems of the band’s philosophy.   I feel a little like I know the musicians now, from this tale of the singer finding his way out of one relationship and lining up for another.

            The band is clearly not afraid to throw down how they feel.  Many of the songs have a message of being true to one's self and finding beauty without compromise.  The idea is thrown around that being in a band is a good way to find a woman, but perhaps not the one you’re really looking for. It seems to me that by the end of the album the singer comes to terms with the idea that the magic of music is amplified if the song, and the motivation, line up with  pure intentions from the players. 
          

            In the title song, “Much Obliged,” the band starts out with a strong wild west sounding rhythm then morphs into jammy set of solos.  The words of the song seem to be a “thanks” to all that have taken this musical journey with them.  This device made me think of the early Rolling Stones and Beatles in how the band is working within the framework of a love story to connect with their audience.  These guys aren’t really trying to hold hands; they are a lot more direct about it. So, thanks guys for sharing this slice of your hearts and experience with us!  All I can really say is “Good luck, and keep going!"

-Sethro

Do not miss the Dual Album Release Party THIS Saturday (August 2nd) at Jammin Java with Nicky C and the RSB and Moogatu, presented by Heady Entertainment! And of course, don't miss Nicky C's set at #pinkmoon6!!!