Singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Nachmanoff boasts a rich and exciting musical career, dating back to age 10 when he performed with Elizabeth Cotten. The Davis, Calif-based resident later worked with Al Stewart of Year of the Cat fame, and has released a string of praise-worthy solo albums. He also tours constantly and has appeared on stages all over the world.
Nachmanoff’s current project, Let’s Roll, has been recorded under the moniker Rumble Strip. Nachmanoff composed the music and takes care of vocals and instrumentation on the five-track EP, while Richard Rossi authored the lyrics.
Homespun vocals, supplemented by super-keen guitar playing and rivers of ringing melodies furnish the material on Let’s Roll with an uplifting heartland pop-rock sound. Rumble Strip’s catchy three-minute ditties further tell great tales, as they produce vivid snapshots of the featured characters and scenarios. A smart sense of humor additionally marks the songs.
Fueled by a bouncy country folk-flavored pop beat and snagging hooks, “He Talks to Me” reins in as an ode to a buddy who is pushing 83, doesn’t like gossip or reality TV, but enjoys swapping fishing stories. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when the identity of the friend is revealed at the end of the song.
A swinging kick grounded somewhere between jazz and big band music, escorted by roly-poly rockabilly riffs are the cool stuff “Uber Driver” is made of. Dave Nachmanoff’s amazing guitar abilities are again emphasized to the hilt on the streaming signals of “Checkin’ Out,” which involves an engaging blend of blues, country and even a hint of surf rock.
Christened after the dearly departed actor who held the starring role of Batman on the TV series of the same name, “Adam West” gallops to a gutsy bite and slyly slings snippets of the surfy psychedelic-ish “Batman Theme” into the pot for good measure. As the dialogue says, Nachmanoff’s one request at the pearly gates is to meet Adam West and go riding with the Caped Crusader; resulting in a truly fun tune.
The final cut on Rumble Strip’s Let’s Roll, “Our Lady Of Tappan Zee,” bestows a rocking southern-fried bent, complete with handclaps and the scent of a greasy diner.
Whether you’re relaxing indoors or cruising the streets, Let’s Roll is the kind of record begging to be blasted at top volume. Punchy songs designed to put a smile on the face are always welcome, and this disc certainly fits the bill. The only beef is that Let’s Roll is a mere EP, not a full-length album. So let’s hope we hear more from Rumble Strip real soon!
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