The Deadmen- The Deadmen EP: 4.5 / 5

It’s hard to believe that this is the first ever release by The Deadmen. This eponymous EP has all the potential of any rock album, with a sound that’s polished, yet fresh at the same time! It sounds like this trio has been playing together for years and mastered their music, when in reality, this is their highly impressive debut.

It’s ironic that The Deadmen are from Washington, D.C., as they have a classic, all-American sound. They could fit right into the 80s heartland rock with the likes of Petty, Springsteen, or Mellencamp. This sentiment is evident in the lyrics, which focus on the “working-man”. It doesn’t get much more American than singing “Hold onto faith and family”, or “I’ve been working all night to tell you everything is alright”. Get your apple pie and fireworks ready, because The Deadmen are meant to be played on the 4th of July. “Old Stone Bridge” is a rapid-fire cut brimming with small-town angst. The final track, “Sons and Dogs”, starts off with a slower, country groove and crescendos into a wailing guitar solo, a perfect finale for the EP. With precise, clear cut vocals, lively marching drums, and acoustic guitar strumming with clean, crisp layering, they provide a straightforward and genuine Americana-rock sound.

The Deadmen do a striking job of producing a classic-sounding, loveable set of rock songs perfect for smalltown America. With a very limited use of electronic instruments and emphasis on pure rock, I hope this is what the next generation of rock bands sounds like, cause The Deadmen EP sets the stage for amazing music!

Key Tracks: Let Your Fingers Rule, Money, Old Stone Bridge, Sons and Dogs

RIYL: The Gaslight Anthem, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen