Galactic Cowboys - The Horse That Bud Bought

When I last reviewed reviewed the Galactic Cowboys, I used words like ferocious, unique, unorthodox, humorous, driven, serious, and original to describe them. Allow me to now add one more adjective to this already formidable list: prolific.

Having already released two disks in 1996 (Machine Fish and the EP Feel the Rage), the Cowboys somehow found time outside of touring to bring us their latest offering, The Horse That Bud Bought. Anyone fearing a drop-off in musical quality given the Texas quartet's prodigious level of output will be pleasantly surprised. The Horse That Bud Bought offers enough "classic" GC elements (crunching riffs, melodic and lush harmonies, sardonic introspection) and new twists (a sound and style that continues to evolve since the departure of producer Sam Taylor, the full integration of Wally Farkas into the band as a creative partner, "radio-friendly" singles) to please almost everyone.

The heart and backbone of the band remains bassist Monte Colvin, a spirited stage performer who somehow manages to sound every bit as intense and merciless in the studio. He drives the group's music with strong and aggressive rhythms, establishing a level of energy that the rest of the outfit inevitably matches. Drummer Alan Doss displays solid chops and contributes lustily, riding the crash symbol for power and kicking into double-time when duty calls. Lead vocalist Ben Huggins is a singer gone mad, alternately roaring and purring as the mood strikes him, but always sounding intense (and somewhat deranged). Wally Farkas, who joined the 3 original GC members on Machine Fish, continues to find his footing in the band, and adds a novel guitar sound and some stylish licks to the already potent mix. Oh, and of course all four Cowboys are credited with vocals on the album, and the harmonies sound as sharp and gorgeous as ever.

The mix of songs on the album is eclectic, offering something for every listener. The first single off the disk, "Evil Twin," is a mainstream alternative rocker that a middle-schooler could love. "Tomorrow" is the band's rip on hypocritical, self-important record executives, and a furious one at that. "Ribbon" and "Trip on Love" are softer, soothing pieces that won't elevate the blood pressure. Head-banging is mandatory for "Tilt-a-Whirl," "The Buzz," and "I Can't Wait," all three manifestations of rage and madness. And "You've Changed" and the powerful finale, "My Life" are sincere, emotional, and heavy enough to both touch our hearts and raise our fists at the same time.

The Horse That Bud Bought will undoubtedly be compared to the Cowboys' previous stand-out efforts, which is fine. It is strong enough to both stand on its own and to transcend the catchy labels like "alernative" and "grunge" that some will try to hang on it.