BatRacers Big Cash
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
The 2010 EP Big Cash is the debut offering from Memphis band BatRacers. This is something of an odd one, as it really doesn’t sound like anything that’s been released in the past 30-35 years. BatRacers have a strong ‘70s rock sound that’s hard to pin down, sounding at times like Blue Oyster Cult, Atomic Rooster, Fuzzy Duck, Kansas’ more boogieing moments and maybe the Moody Blues. That’s a pretty wide range for a 6-song EP by a relatively unknown band.
If you didn’t know better you could believe Big Cash was one of those obscure ‘70s era albums that Repertoire occasionally reissues on CD. Everything from the guitar tone to the vocal style (there are some amazing vocal harmonies here) to the keyboards (and is that a Hammond as well?) screams vintage rock. Not tongue-in-cheek retro rock, but some obscure vinyl release that was just dusted off. Even the production has that ‘70s sounding, almost analog vibe.
The first two songs – “Big Cash” and “She Might Be” – are upbeat, boogie rockers, and are plenty of fun if not terribly interesting. It’s when “Pull the Trigger” rolls around, with its Atomic Rooster “Death Walks Behind You” guitar sound, that the EP gets interesting. “All the Same” comes next, and has a dramatic and atmospheric keyboard sound that recalls the Moody Blues. The harder rocking “Shayron” comes next, followed by a fuzzy, distorted cover of Isaac Hayes’ “I Thank You,” which closes the album in style.
This was a really pleasant surprise. BatRacers have a great grasp for what made the ‘70s rock sound so effective. Of course, their unique sound is going to make their appeal pretty limited. Still, if you have a thing for the old proto-metal sound of Atomic Rooster, early Uriah Heep, Bloodrock and the like, make sure you pick up Big Cash. You’ll be surprised at how familiar it sounds.
Genre: Progressive Rock
Band:
Bill Rennie (v) (b)
Mike Enright (g) (v)
Jimmy Enright (k) (v)
Robbie Payne (d) (v)
Track Listing:
1. Big Cash
2. She Might Be
3. Pull the Trigger
4. All the Same
5. Shayron
6. I Thank You
Label: BPO
Website: www.batracers.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10