The liner notes on Butte-based B.r.o.o.M.’s third CD speak of a post-apocalyptic world of
nuclear contamination, in which the hero must find and save the remaining
children.
Set against this backdrop is a potpourri of David Byrne-sounding vocalizations,
effect-laden arrangements, chunky guitar chords, gobs of reverb, and squiggly
guitar lines. Prolific songwriter Jessie Kostoff counts among his influences
Johnny Cash, Bob Marley and Nazareth, and likes horror flicks. All of which is
fairly obvious here, as he runs the gamut of the dark and foreboding in these
18 pieces. From the first cut, “Open
Door Dead End,” with a stream-of-consciousness instrumental track, we segue to
“Stormy Day,” a souped-up Randy Bachmann-like metalhead solo. Galloping mariachi music, Mexican-sounding
surfer rock and guitars that sound like zombies are playing them enliven this
CD. Heck, there’s even a nice harmonica-driven country song (“Down the Hill”).
These guys are interesting, if a bit bizarre. “Rocking Chair” made my dog bark.
The cockeyed guitar monologue of “Snowy River” seems to corrupt the soul of Sousa. The
title track is a goofy waltz brimming with muddy guitars and cool riffs; and
over all, Kostoff’s loopy vocals continue to spin his
dark tale. Castanets and toreador music played by surfers and
zombies, speaking of damnation and forgiveness? What’s going on here?
This CD is the third in a four-part series of concept albums, working backward,
leading up to the final installment (Volume I), that promises to give us
answers.
Visit the band at www.broommusic.com.
– Mariss McTucker