With Alibis, East Coast roots-rockers the Barn Burners prove their highly enjoyable ’97 debut, Tobacco Sunburst, was no fluke. Alibis is a sturdy follow-up that features more memorable songs from leader Bob Kannenberg and some killer guitar courtesy of new guy Paul Thomas.
The album showcases Kannenberg’s dedication to and belief in the power of classic rock ‘n’ roll, country music, and all their myriad hybrids. He sports his influences with the right mixture of brashness and respect, pointing to his touchstones in the lyrics as he name-checks Hank, George, Webb, Link, et al.
Alibis casts a sympathetic — but not patronizing — eye on the day-to-day trials of the average American working stiff. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more eloquent anthem for anyone not living it up at the dot.com beach party than the rocking “Dice Are Loaded”: “Well the kids need shoes and the car’s in the shop/A circle unbroken and it don’t ever stop/Every time the working man throws/You know the dice are loaded.” When Kannenberg shouts, “Roll ’em, Paul!” and Thomas rips into an emotional, desperate lead, it’s a call to arms hard not to heed.
The Barn Burners prove adept at everything from hard-core honky-tonk (“Thinkin’ Hard And Drinkin’ Harder”) to flat-out rockers (the hilarious “Can’t Happen To Me”) to a perfect Mick ‘n’ Keef homage that’ll stick with you all day (“Whippin’ Boy”). Even a turn at a Cajun two-step, the infectious “Jenny Lee”, is handled with confidence and skill. And check out “Rebel Bop”, a super-hep, tremolo-fortified burner spiced with a heapin’ helpin’ of cool riffs and licks from Thomas.
Guest Neil Eber’s mournful pedal steel shines on “Big Tree”, a perfect fit for Kannenberg’s tale of a good guy who gets some rotten news just as he’s ready to retire and enjoy himself. It’s a simple song that always brings a lump to my throat.
No alibis necessary. The only thing the Barn Burners are guilty of is making a damn fine record.