Vintage rock ‘n’ roll.
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“Punk rock died when the first kid said,
‘Punk’s not dead, punk’s not dead.”
- David Berman
While the above statement is surely true; just because something is dead, doesn’t mean it’s spirit is gone. In fact, punk rock was truly just a resurgence of the ethos of rock ’n’ roll. On Thomas Bryan Eaton’s latest EP “Promises,” he brings that feeling back to life yet again.
Throughout the four song record, Thomas tackles a troubled love affair with reckless abandon, letting it all hang out. The energy is infectious and the songs carry the weight of being both fun, and heavy. With biting guitar tones, honky tonk piano, blues mandolin and more, Eaton understands that the nuances of vintage rock ’n’ roll have just as much to do with attitude as they do with sound. Maybe even more.
“You Do It Well” kicks things off with a pared down but powerful presentation of a person who is more than just conflicted, they’re pissed; “I can’t tell if I’m doing well / I can’t even talk to myself about the things you’ve done to me / oh and that you’re doing” the opening line declares over a sturdy bed of guitar, bass & drums. A rollicking 50s style workout follows on “That’s Right,” complete with tight female harmonies and bouncing upright bass from frequent collaborator Miss Tess. The sentiment here is more self-assured, “Oh babe you know I’m right,” Eaton repeats.
The second half begins with the Rolling Stones inspired acoustic number, “Show You What My Love Can Do.” The laid back yet driving groove from Aaron Shafer-Haiss’ (Nicole Atkins, Michaela Anne, Darren Bradbury) inspired drumming is punctuated by some crunchy mandolin playing from Eaton. The set closes on a more optimistic note with “Keep Us Free.” The upbeat number has the densest arrangement on the EP with guitars, pedal steel, fiddle and piano all in play. The chorus tells us where Thomas’ heart truly lies:
Let’s just watch the sun sink low
Feel the evening pass by slow
You and me, that’s all we need
to live through life and keep us free
Though a bit of a departure from his most recent full length, the classic cosmic country tinged “Been Through This Before” (2018); one doesn’t need to do much digging to find these rock ’n’ roll roots throughout “We All Want to Be Love,” Eaton’s 2015 LP. 2011’s “When You’re Dancing” is also flush with this spirited aesthetic.
If there’s one thing that’s consistent with all of Thomas Bryan Eaton’s releases (besides his tasty guitar playing!), it’s his do it my way, straight forward attitude. There’s no hiding behind obscure metaphors or fancy production. The story, the feelings and the energy of the songs are upfront and personal.
This is in no small part due to Thomas’ hand in all aspects of the production. Never content to be just a guitar player or songwriter, he has from an early age been enamored with the magic of the recording studio. Not only finding the right notes to play, but the right sounds to play them with. Though many of his earlier releases have a home recording, DIY sound to them, these recent recordings find Eaton’s talents in all aspects of writing, playing and recording reaching maturity.
And what’s more punk rock than making a record at home with some of your closest friends and self releasing it? I don’t know, maybe you should ask Sun Ra.
Scott Bowman
February 7, 2020
