When American Minor released its 2002 demo, the band played a gritty brand of alt-country that blended the poignant, earthy rock of Uncle Tupelo with the wistful pop sensibilities of Ryan Adams.
When the band soon relocated from Huntington/Charleston to Champaign, Illinois, they were joined by guitarist Bud Carroll, whose hard blues-boogie style took American Minor in a new direction. Moving away from an alt-country overtone, the quintet grew their hair long, adorned themselves in plaid and boots, and took on a guitar-heavy Southern rock sound influenced by Lynard Skynard, the Black Crowes or Exile-era Rolling Stones.
Title track to 2004's four-song Buffalo Creek EP sums up the newfound style - macho riffs layered with a bluesy lead, hard-hitting drums and Rob McCutcheon's raunchy but soulful vocals. "Movin' On Up" shows the band's sexy side that hints of vintage Rod Stewart/Faces. The opener "Walk On" is a re-styled track from the band's original demo. The song combines the earnest elements of American Minor's initial sound with the energy and experienced musicianship (and production) of the band's better-known work - it is also, in my humble opinon, the group's finest accomplishment.
Artist: American Minor
Album: The Buffalo Creek EP
Year: 2004
For Fans Of: Lynard Skynard, Black Crowes, Faces
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