CD review – Cordovas
Cordovas
S/T
(Rock Ridge)
The self-titled release from the Cordovas probably slipped under the radar of many fans of alt country and roots rock, as indie releases often do, but deserves some attention, as the band has been hitting the road hard to support this fine album.
The Cordovas are led by one-time band leader for Last Call with Carson Daly, Joe Firstman. Firstman formed this new band with longtime friends and collaborators Jaron Lowenstein, Toby Weaver, and John Lloyd, after finishing his solo album and relocating to L.A. The 10-song set is a sweet blend of California rock and Southern fried folk with lush three- and four-part harmonies reminiscent of the Band and the Starland Vocal Band.
The quartet also dishes out some great twang and thump on workaday guitars and drums interlaced with tasty piano and organ. Strongest among the familiar sounding singalong songs are the foot stompin’ “Southern Rain” and the playful tale of debauchery “Step Back Red.” You can clearly envision a steely eyed Clint Eastwood type from the words of the burning “Standing On the Porch,” and the band transports you to the Gulf Coast for a revival on “Louisiana Hurricane.”
Look for the Cordovas to be making some waves with these sweet sounds as they hit the road.
originally appeared in Innocent Words July 2012
Rick J Bowen