The Hangmen-East of western

Acetate 2012 The Hangmen formed back L.A. in 1987 and have always had a link to metal, but they have always gone down their road. These days singer/guitarist Bryan Small is the only member left from the band’s original lineup. The current line-up also includes former-Supersuckers Ron Heathman (guitar, vocals), Angelique Congleton (bass, vocals) and Dino Guerrero (drums). The new album features ten tracks that allow the Hangmen to merge the sounds of bands like AC/DC and the Stones in with some slick cowpunk. From the start of "Homesick Blues" it's obvious that despite time and line-up changes this group still manages to capture the spirit to really pull off this effort. This isn't a one speed machine either as evidenced by songs like the slow but twangy "Had a girl". This is a song that had me replaying it the second it was over on more than one occasion. "Railroad Man" is another highlight with it's western groove mixed with classic rock patterns and just enough of an odd tempo to make it a little different. The whole album is loaded with an attention to detail and enough swagger to keep it fresh. I have been spinning this album quite a bit lately.