Album Review: Gasoline Lollipops – Soul Mine

Release Date: December 15, 2017
Run Time: 40:32
Label: Fastrain Records

Gasoline Lollipops is an alternative country band hailing from Denver, Colorado. Their sound reminds me of artists such as Calexico, Ryan Adams or Wilco, while also borrowing from genres as diverse as garage and delta blues.

Think Robert Johnson jamming with The Stooges, covering a Bob Dylan tune. The band’s recent studio effort is an LP titled “Soul Mine”. The songs on this album immediately stand out for their diverse and energetic approach, which channels many different influences in a spectacular way.

Somewhere in between punk provocateurs and folk storyteller, these talented musicians managed to combine engaging riffs and straight-forward arrangements with personable lyrics and quintessential arrangements that feel organic and diverse. The production of the album certainly highlights the band’s natural chemistry. These recordings sound and feel like a band filling a room with electricity.

Opening track, “Soul Mine”, is a nuanced folk number that echoes artists such as Nick Cave or other visionary outsiders such as Tom Waits or Captain Beefheart. On the other hand, “Mustangs”, a song that was previously written by the band’s front-man as a sparse acoustic number, has been reworked into a catchy, diverse and unique tracks that reminds me of groups such as The Black Keys or The Mojomatics, with its dance-friendly blues stomp and cool hi-hat patterns, propelling the song and giving it a really upbeat feel. There are many stand-out numbers through the span of this 10 track release, but every song ties together with one another really well, making for a great balance.

“Woman and a Gun” is one of my favorite tracks on the album – the lyrics offer an engaging storytelling twist, with a very cinematic feel. “Ghost Of A Man” is another really striking song on this release. This particular tune has a laid-back and understated vibe which echoes folk and country music. Last but not least, “Put Me TO Task” is a nice country-folk stomp with Irish influences and some really engaging grooves, courtesy of a driven bass arrangement.

I’ve listen to a lot of alt-country releases this year, and I can say that this one is definitely going to be the album of that genre that gets the most spins for me. Soul Mine is a fantastic release that will certainly please a very large audience. I think it’s safe to say that this is that only a piece of soul that you will want in your stocking this year, which is why I’m recommending that you get a copy for yourself, and it would make a great gift for any of your musical elitist friends, and casual listeners.

Find out more about Gasoline Lollipops and don’t miss out on their recent release:

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