Album Review: Cowbell — Haunted Heart
File next to: Flat Duo-jets, The Cramps, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes
Discerning listeners may turn a skeptical ear toward news of yet another guitar-and-drum duo. There’s a strong argument that the format is completely played out. But British duo Cowbell has expanded its instrumental arsenal for its American debut release, and far from being a one-dimensional collection of tunes with no proper bottom end, Haunted Heart is a winning collection that trades in a variety of style. There’s dark psychobilly (the title track), spooky jump blues-meets-60s garage (“None of Your Business”), and raw, stripped-down punk (“Downlow”). And those are just the first three tracks. Elsewhere, Jack Sandham and Wednesday Lyle serve up straight blues, sweet romantic ballads, Stonesy rock, girl-group flavored pop, and even a late-night soulful yakety-sax weeper. Haunted Heart suggests that Cowbell could make a solid album in any one of these myriad styles, but that variety is their fundamental goal.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.