Catawompus - It's Spelled C.A.T.A.W.O.M.P.U.S. (2023)

When winter only evokes disgust,
when every sub-zero temperature makes veins of anger swell,
when even the tiniest snowflake lowers the aggression threshold to zero,
there are increasingly some indicators of the eagerly awaited spring.
This time, it's the delicate stems of some cheeky crocuses, bravely and unyieldingly fighting their way through the firm blanket of snow,
the expectant and impatient chirping of our feathered friends,
and "It's Spelled C.A.T.A.W.O.M.P.U.S." by Catawomopus, a band dedicated to classic Southern rock with overalls and a tractor.
Catawompus will cause quite a stir with their new album. It's rocking, it's fresh, it's Southern.
The guitar corps consists of Douglas Gery—the main songwriter, by the way—and Chris Howell.
What the two deliver on "It's Spelled C.A.T.A.W.O.M.P.U.S." sends shivers of excitement down your spine. They duel in traditional style. They let their saws wail in harmony. They add accents with slide guitar. And not to forget: They enchant with bold and brilliant triplet sequences. This is what 21st-century guitarists sound like.
Catawompus have also won a ticket for the lineup carousel and, compared to "Well, It's About Time!", are fielding a different crew: a new bassist, a new drummer, and a new singer!
The latter is Johnny DeLucia. A name worth remembering. Where others roar or scream, he sings. Johnny covers a broad spectrum with his vocal style. He is never one-dimensional or uninspired. You can enjoy the rough passages when necessary, the head vocals when required, and the softer parts when the song calls for them. He doesn't skimp on melodic lines; on the contrary, they are what make each song a gem.

The rhythm section now consists of drummer Ruben Garce and bassist Cletus. Some of the drumming is also done by (alto drummer) Scott Easly. The craftsmanship is solid and efficient. He weaves exactly the kind of tapestry that creative arrangements so desperately need. "Shot of Love" is an excellent example of this. The bass lines and drum breaks are perfectly coordinated, yet unobtrusive. They primarily serve the overall composition.