CDReview: The Von Ehric, Loaded

The Von Ehrics

Loaded

(Crustacean)

I woke up this late morning from a deep sleep to find Elle straddling my back, wearing my cowboy hat and slapping me on the back of the head with some sort of paper. She had purchased two tickets to Hawaii over the internet, and that we were leaving that evening. That sounded great to me; I was hungry for fresh tuna steak, pineapple and coconut…and a Blue Hawaiian as well. She was ready for some big waves…and a Blue Hawaiian as well. She said that we were going on “holiday within holiday”.

Who was I to argue with her? I had wanted to go to Hawaii since I first watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall and in some ways I was actually living my version of the film. Unfortunately Kristen Bell was not involved, but she should have been. Elle had trotted back to her cabin to pack some things as I grabbed a few extra minutes of loving rest. I knew soon I would have to get up and sort my things for packing.

We loaded everything into the back of Elle’s H3 and started our drive to the airport. We arrived there in no time; she’s a fast driver and drives just as furious, maybe it’s because of the whole British driving thing in America. I’m not sure, but whatever it is, she could be an indie racer driver if her current occupation gave way. Maybe “Elle” is short for “Lead foot”.

The check-in was quick, and that was a good thing. We wanted to hit the bar for a couple of Blue Hawaiians (we’re both Elvis fans) to calm my nerves because it was going to be a long but lovely flight. Since there wasn’t much sleep from the night before, I looked forward to sleeping on our cozy first class flight…that is, after another drink and a nice meal.

With a short layover in Los Angeles, when we boarded the plane, I was definitely ready for some shut eye. The nighttime travel in the night sky added to my sleepiness. The two of us slept on and off during the in-light movie until I fell asleep completely. Ah, a simple pleasure that I had wished for came true with my body’s relaxed state, until a thump on the head woke me up. It was Elle’s sweet way of letting me know that we were about to land. I was baffled because it didn’t seem that I was asleep for that long.

We exited the plane and received our lays (rather quickly) so we could rush to the resort. It was early morning and Elle wanted to check in, and then hit the beach to catch some big North Shore waves. I, of course, was going to hang back on the beach and snap some pictures of Elle’s big rides, in which she did catch a few. An hour later, we trekked back to the resort so Elle could change and we could join the breakfast buffet on the beach. While I waited for her, I loaded our mp3 players with a couple of CDs, one being the new Von Ehrics release Loaded. I had been looking forward to jammin’ that since before we left.  Elle walked out in her bikini and wrap around long skirt, ready to hit the buffet. I could go for some chicken and waffles, but while in Hawaii, spam and waffles topped with roasted coconut would suffice.

Elle asked for me to rub some lotion on her back as so not to burn her pale skin, and then she would do the same for me. She untied her top and for the first time I got to view her full back tattoo. It was Wolverine of the X-Men, clawing his way out of her body. I was shocked because if I ever were to get ink that would be one of them, but I wasn’t going to get one. “We’ll see about that” she responded with a devilish grin, “but first we need nourishment for out next outing.” And of course she wouldn’t tell me what it was to be.

I continued to pound Elle for information with questions about our planned activity during our breakfast. She continued quietly to eat and somewhat enjoy her breakfast all the while staring at me with a smile. She enjoyed my little boy banter. Eventually I did break her down to a hint: we would need gear. Still, I wanted to question, but decided against it; I would wait and enjoy the surprise.

A cab ride off the road and outside of town later found us buying motorcycle outerwear with body armor and a helmet. Apparently we were going motorcycling on a BMX course loaded with dips, ramps, hills, etc. I was totally down with that.  Of course, being the daredevil she was meant I would have to try and keep up with Elle. The course looked like fun but a little trying in other places. Still I was committed. I handed Elle her mp3 player and we hooked the players up; this way we would have a little music entertainment to mix with our island adventure on two wheels. The Von Ehrics CD was the perfect companion! We placed our helmets on and gave each other thumbs up. Then we fired up the steel ponies and just pressed play…

Loaded is the third full length release from this strong Dallas, Texas trio, and just as strong and hardchargin’ as their first release. The Von Ehrics are a nice taste of Texas for when it comes to music collaboration. The group takes their influence and love of honky tonk roots, outlaw country and flavor it with a full season blend of cow punk and road tested southern rock. Their brand of music and songwriting are never far away from good times in life translated over into music. There are no holds barred for the good time that the band and their music provide. It is truly rowdy and rockin’ in this ten track release clocking in at 35 minutes. There are a few standout songs on the CD, but it is best enjoyed from start to finish so one can truly appreciate the melding of tempo and melodies per song, much like the ups and downs commonly experienced throughout life.

Tales of all night drinking, one night stands, and road worn exhaustion follow suit in the lyrics, just as previous releases and still just as enjoyable with the humor embedded within. Robert Jason Vandygriff’s vocals feature just enough Texas drawl for country and blade sharp edge of rock for his own style. The rhythm section, which is bassist Wayne Mosely and skinmaster Gabe Alguilar, along with Vandygriff’s guitar work provide blistering music that fits with the flow and the lyrics of each tune.  Built on upbeat train rhythm tempos, rowdy and articulate bass and guitar stylings, along with the tales of all night partying, Loaded is the new party soundtrack!  This recording shows the focal point of this Texas trio honing their skill of combining old school influence with modern updates. Loaded goes by just as quick as some of the songs, but that’s a good reason to press repeat as to enjoy it all over again!!

The title track Loaded is a perfect example of compiling The Von Ehrics’s solid sound. It’s rowdy and upbeat stride are dominate before breaking into a raw groove for the chorus, and then back upon the tempo speed wagon. Their cover of Billy Joe Shaver’s Old Chunk of Coal gets a makeover well needed and goes a faster cow punk beat all the while not straying from its honky tonk origin. It’s much better than the 80s version made popular by John Anderson. Keeping up with Vandrygriff’s signature vocals of enjoying a tasty beverage blended with humor and fueled entirely on their rockier side of their music is Buy Me a Drink. The vocals are just as sharp as the guitar licks with a powerful rhythm foundation. It is a pleasure for the hardcore fan and a good introduction to the band for newcomers to just kick back with a drink and listen to the texture of lead and rhythm guitar clash into a beautiful pattern.

Loaded is a release that fits almost any given situation. It’s a die hard spirit that will not and cannot be tamed, possessing a raw energy that is hard to imagine. The powers of the three musicians that make up The Von Ehrics are more enjoyable than what a five piece band could only wish they could create. I guess it helps to be true to what you know and possessing the personality to stay true in doing so…

And did I mention I could use a drink?

    

An hour of high powered cycling entertainment ended just in time for me. I had eaten enough dust and gathered a couple of grated skin trying to catch some big air (which I did). Fortunately, there were no broken bones but just a little bruising; that I could live with! That’s what I get for trying to impress and compete with the experienced Brit.

We both agreed that the Von Ehrics’ music was an appropriate music choice for our outing, fueling the adrenalin during the dirt dobbing cycle fest. Also, at this point, it was time to return to the resort for a much needed massage and shower before dinner. A massage would do this body some damn good…

For dinner we joined hundreds of our resort guests beachside for a nice luau and a dinner. I enjoyed my tuna steak topped with roasted macchodamia nuts and accompanied by asparagus while Elle had the pork steak and a pineapple mango salsa that flared more flavor. Soon after we sat at the bonfire on the beach while serenaded by acoustic traditional Hawaiian music. She rested her head on my shoulder getting lost in the combination from the sound of the music and the waves. Then she whispered in my ear, “I have another surprise for you.”

I hesitated to respond, more out of fear now, but inquired anyway. After all, this was new to me, having three surprises in a single day. And I do so enjoy the attention and care giving! “Come with me, “she ordered, grabbing me by the hand and leading me down the beach…away from the light…

We walked for quite some time, treasuring the night sky and the crashing of the waves, until we had reached our destination... The two of us walked off the beach and up to the strip. We entered the strip and it did not take long to figure out we were there to do clothes shopping or play games and sing karaoke, but there for a tattoo; it was the only place left! Elle had only one tattoo, and it covered her entire back, whereas I was a clean canvas, unsure if I even wanted one. But I had to get one, according to Elle. It would be our vacation souvenir together. I knew what I wanted as did she, but refused to tell one another, giving way to yet another surprise. She walked away with one artist as I did with another…

A couple of hours later I looked down at my right bicep and there was my tat: The state seal of Texas emblazed with the Union jack. It was covered with a bandage and I walked over to the recliner in which Elle was stretched out. Since her ink was recently finished, it was exposed, and Elle proudly presented me with her tat: a barbwire band with “British Cowgirl, Texas Royalty” within it. Her other tattoo was in a circular font around her pierced belly button which read “Property of Dr. Dollicious”…How proud was I? A new nickname on the ribbed ripped belly of a beauty!! Now it was my turn. I slowly peeled back the bandage from my arm and presented her with my ink; she totally loved the combination of the Union Jack with the Texas insignia!

Patched up and a little sore, we paid and left the strip back for the beach, which seemed to call our names back and forth. Elle and I decided we had done plenty for the day and most of the night. Besides, rubbing Neosporin on our tattoos while watching Elvis movies sounded like a good night to us….Blue Hawaiian? Anyone?