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Octane Gypsy: Tough Luck Mile

Octane Gypsy: Tough Luck Mile

Hard Rock
Rating: 3.5/5.0

www.octanegypsyband.com
Self-Promotion www.myspace.com/octanegypsy

Brian Scott and Eleanor 'Swede' Goldfield are so uniquely complimentary musicians that I wonder if they aren't twins who were separated at birth, only to be reunited on the Sunset Strip. Scott and Goldfield are the principles of LA's Octane Gypsy. He brings some savvy classic hard rock guitar; Goldfield brings gritty, blues-laced vocals. This is a strong combination and 'Hard Luck Mile' is the first result of their collaboration.

On 'Tough Luck Mile' Octane Gypsy tries to showcase their core talents in four songs: three originals and one cover (the Rolling Stones' 'Honky Tonk Women'). Generally, they succeed on this short serving of hard rock. Goldfield is deliberate and strong throughout. The less interesting opener 'Save Me' displays Swede's talents more than Scott's fret work. However, both are equally skillful. 'Swede' is better on the slower, ballad-like 'Double Shift' and the phenomenal 'Rebel's Highway.' The latter is a kick ass rock and roller where Ms. Goldfield belts it out and Scott delivers dangerously massive riffs in his best performance on this disc.

As for the Stones' song, hearing a female vocalist cover such a testosterone driven song was, in a word, weird. Though hardly as horrible as Celine Dion and Anastacia butchering AC/DC's 'You Shook Me All Night Long,' my ears still didn't want to go there. When listening to this number, focus on Brian Scott's guitar work, which is the real showcase, and you will make it through. (I'm sure this may pose a dilemma for some as Octane Gypsy covers classic rock songs in their shows. Goldfield could do Joan Jett, maybe even Pat Benater. But I can't imagine Ann Wilson. Most definitely, they need to work on more original materia for Eleanor's sake.)

Finally, the main downside of this EP, despite the promising talents of Scott and Goldfield, is the menacing and miserable production. I wasn't expecting Mutt Lange here, but a little more clarity would have made this disc really shine. In the end, I was very impressed by Octane Gypsy. Scott and Goldfield have huge talent and better than average song composition skills. I think they have a bright and promising future. I strongly recommend you check out 'Tough Luck Mile.'   - Craig Hartranft

In Short

In the end, I was very impressed by Octane Gypsy. Brian Scott and Eleanor Goldfield have huge talent and better than average song composition skills. I think they have a bright and promising future. I strongly recommend you check out 'Tough Luck Mile.'

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