Review: Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils – Mad Man’s World
Maverick Ranch (June 18th 2024)
Reviewer: Paul Saripo
This is the second album from Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils from Detroit, Michigan.
Opening the album is ‘Viva Terlingua’ with the sound of Mexican Horns and a solid back riff. This sets the imagination towards times gone by in a thriving mining town in Texas. With a nod towards a spaghetti western score.
Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils are a new find for me, so I was unsure what to expect, the scene was quickly forming, by the time I finished listening to the second track on the album which happens to be its title track ‘Mad Man’s World’ I knew this was going to be something special with a subtle hint of Imelda May and Stevie Nicks coming to mind.
Well written thought provoking lyrics are found on every song on this album delivered with a range of upbeat country rock melodies to the more blues feel of ‘Bulletproof’ with its impressively haunting guitar riffs that flow well and inspire the feel of the song.
‘(I Wanna) Testify‘ has a strong catchy chorus that had me singing along with ease, with a hint of gospel like comradery that’s uplifting and free.
Next up is ‘Foolish Things’ with a sound reminiscent of the Drifters’ ‘Save the Last Dance for Me’ it’s a melodic mid point of the album that gives some respite before picking up momentum of ‘Bits And Pieces’ that is delivered with energy and depth, however I felt that this was restrained and held back from the depth of the lyrics prompting me to listen closer each time and picking up am underlying sadness trying to escape.
‘Bad Luck Charm’ is a re jigged song first released by Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils on the debut album ‘Greetings From This Town’ (2015, review here) this has had time to develop and mature to a strong flowing song with grooving bass riffs leading to a powerful solo from Dylan Dunbar on guitar making it more fluid and rounding off the corners.
‘Marfa Lights’ offers a more soulful rounded sound, with a warm strong vocal delivery. Enjoyable slow melody yet packs energy and vibrance.
‘Be With Me Alone’ raises the energy further, setting the starting point of the jazz infused final track of ‘How Am I Supposed To Live This Way’
Overall I enjoyed the Album in its entirety, the art work on the cover is thought provoking alongside poetic lyrics, songwriting and musical tone that hopefully the band will develop and push this sound further.
Tracklist:
- Viva Terlingua
- Mad Man’s World
- Bulletproof
- (I Wanna) Testify
- Foolish Things
- Bits & Pieces
- Bad Luck Charm
- Marfa Lights
- Be With Me
- How Am I Supposed to Live This Way
Line-up:
Vocals: Jennifer Westwood
Guitars: Dylan Dunbar
Bass: Chuck Bartels
Drums: Ron Pangborn / David Below
Percussion: Brandon Husken
Keys: Lucky Haskins
Horns: Joshua James and Jimmy Smith
Background Vocals: Susan Marshall and Reba Russell
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