Flat Duo Jets

Recorded live to two-track in someone's garage (no, that's not a joke), Flat Duo Jets' self-titled debut album is about as close to a concise statement of musical purpose as one was likely to ever get from roots rock wild man Dexter Romweber (guitar/vocals) and his partner, Crow (drums). (This time out, the duo also allowed themselves the rare luxury of a bass player, Tone.) Romweber bashes the hell out of his battered Danelectro when he isn't picking out tasty single-note leads on the solos, and Crow swats away, determined to keep up (and showing no fear of his ride cymbal). Whether they're playing frantic rockabilly, crooning "ladies' choice" romantic numbers, conjuring up pseudo-exotic instrumentals, or ripping into some old-school jazz standards (think Louis Prima, not Miles Davis), Flat Duo Jets sound tight without the slightest veneer of slickness, and work up a sweat even when they turn down the tempos. Maybe this dizzying melange of musical styles and influences doesn't quite reflect the way most folks look at rock & roll these days, but if you don't think this album rocks pretty hard, you obviously haven't been playing attention.