Broadway Lafayette - Subway Zydeco (2018)

Every now and then it's nice to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in an album well left of centre. Step forward Broadway Lafayette and your accordion-driven Louisiana roots music… Yup, stay with me folks, I'll explain:

Mick Collins from the Dirtbombs teamed up with Matt from Heavy Trash and his wife Rocio and members of Mama Rosin. It was recorded in NYC, but its heart is elsewhere, that's for sure. Imagine rock ‘n’ roll played in some shanty town outhouse, where there's moonshine and good times being celebrated. This album has a bucket full of energy and explores some different roots to what usually gets reviewed around here. The Cajun feel reminds me of plenty in John Mellencamp's music over the years, when he does it in a more rock ‘n’ roll set up - but this one goes straight for the heart of traditional R&B, jazz and gospel.

There are 11 tracks on offer. 'Zydeco Music' kicks things off with an upbeat introduction to what’s about to unfold; the energy is evident and it sounds like its being played with a smile. 'Bad Luck Joe' is more laid back and bluesy. The theme is getting clearer as 'One Thing At A Time' sounds like something Chuck Prophet knocks out over the years, or even his old band Green On Red was capable of from time to time. There are also lyrics in French, on 'Girl De Hong Kong', as it ebbs and flows in a most laid-back fashion. 'Bayou Lover' gets down in the swamp like a Tom Waits record, and that honkin' harmonica is a wonderful thing.

These guys should head out on tour with Urban Voodoo Machine: it would be a blast and one would certainly compliment the other, 'Angola Dreams' being a perfect companion. As its story unfolds, the energy levels remain high, and the Gogol Bordello route of 'Ou Est Tout' fills all the available space before the album closes with the gentle 'Ballade'.

That was a wheeze, and a most enjoyable trip downstream from all the punk rock ‘n’ roll and loud guitars. Broadway Lafayette hit the spot with their 'Zydeco Music' – so, until next time... tara for now! ~by Dom Daley