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Mushy Callahan: Band on the Run

Indie Melodic Hard Rock

3.0/5.0

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Independent/Unsigned
by Craig Hartranft,  02.20.2012

So what does it take to be both indie and alternative? Canada's Mushy Callahan has a creative name, possibly referring to boxer Vincent Morris Scheer (and his ring name), from the early 1920's. And the EP steals from Paul McCartney and the Wings classic album. So then, is this novel or new?

Above, Mushy Callahan: will he share that cigarette? Likely not ...

Not so much. There's certainly a grit that grinds your teeth, something from 70's hard rock, and melody from Eighties the same. There's some solid (read: damn good) bass lines, and even some stinging guitar work. Melody and groove accompany this motif, as you should suspect if you're going to cull your sound from a classic era. And I'll bet this stuff sounds great live. But, and yeah there's a 'but,' Mushy Callahan sounds derivative.

Not matter how many spins I give this EP, I can't get enthusiastic about. Certainly there are moments that thrill: remember the bass work. I'm not sure what Band on the Run needs. But against what passes for modern alt rock, Mushy Callahan, much like the boxer of old, is a challenger. Let's hope for more, and better, in the future (and better album art work, too). Check them out; your opinion may differ.

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Not matter how many spins I give this EP, I can't get enthusiastic about. But against what passes for modern alt rock, Mushy Callahan, much like the boxer of old, is a challenger. Let's hope for more, and better, in the future.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]