Due on Nov. 15, 2024, from Colemine Records, Andrew Gabbard’s Ramble and Rave On is a welcome addition to those of us who still lean toward ace songwriting and well-played rock ‘n’ roll. The Ohio-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is releasing this third solo record in between his other musical escapades, including being a member of the Black Keys touring band.
The homespun Ramble and Rave On is a vibrant blossom in a barren contemporary musical landscape that often relies less on melodic invention and more on gimmickry. Gabbard boasts a refreshing wellspring of inventive ideas and musical intentionality. He plays all the instruments on the recording, lending each track an intimate personalized glimpse into his creative intent.
Despite the unique originality of the recording, Ramble and Rave On is quite exoteric. Andrew Gabbard’s influence ranges from the rustic thumping of a Neil Young-inspired Harvest era drum sound to the simple complexity of his Harry Nilsson-esque piano and vocal stylings. But easy comparisons don’t do justice to the depth of individualized musical expressions that take place throughout the album.
Ramble and Rave On reveals itself with two smokey mid-tempo ballads: First is the slow drip psych-soul of “Just Like Magic.” This sweet confectionary whips together Gabbard’s effortless falsetto vocals and brambly guitar lines into sonic alchemy. Next, the cloudy ethereal pulse of “If I Could Show You (Then You Would Know Exactly What I Mean)” continues the earnest emotion displayed with “Just Like Magic.”
Gabbard illustrates his ability to initiate a deft falsetto flip on “If I Could Show You,” moving between his chest voice and a beautifully pinched higher register effortlessly. His attention to detail is where the hermeticism takes place, found in between the cracks of well-placed vocals that nestle side by side with carefully layered counter melodies. His guitar work throughout is beautifully transparent.
The title track and lead single from Ramble and Rave On follows and throttles up the tempo of the record accordingly. “Magic Taxi,” the second single, comes next and is a hearty slice of blue-eyed soul. Piano based and emitting a pale paisley, the song weaves several ticklish segments of licks and vocal melody into an analog Gabbard orchestra.
A groovy slide-centric cover of Neil Young’s “Barstool Blues” leaves a ring on the drink counter, slotting into the track listing perfectly. Gabbard lends Young’s song a hazy swing and hillbilly lilt. “Everywhere I Go I Don’t Belong,” follows and is a jaunty bit of self-examination, decorated with what sounds like Mellotron strings and glistening with a sunny chorus.
Only partially through Ramble and Rave On, Andrew Gabbard’s depth of influence and wealth of ability is tangible. Both elements work together to create a piece of art totally refreshing and original.
Opening with a nodding drum motif, the funky off-kilter mantra “All Right Mama” is a shifty slide centric blues and a favorite track on the record. There is cool Delta blues push-and-pull happening that makes you crane your ear. The message of the cut is one that I think we all can relate to. Next, “Good Boy,” is a straight shot of finger-picked acoustic guitar that wafts in on the smoky memories of a smoldering all-night campfire.
“Again Again,” slides in on a slippery guitar riff the bubbles beneath the arrangement for its duration. The song moves like a stony lullaby, highlighted by layered vocals and a shimmery vibe. “Donna Lou” churns gently with a backwoods bent and is cut from the same patchwork quilt as “Again Again,” featuring wonderfully placed vocal adornments and serene singing.
The penultimate cut, “I’m Bound to Ride,” sounds like a lost track from Neil Young’s Zuma record with its undulating rhythm, cross-cut fuzz guitar, and pedal steel work (the only thing not played by Gabbard on the record). There is an inherent dramatism in the song that seethes. When a chilly piano part appears from the mix during the second verse it’s the kind of detail that separates Andrew Gabbard’s music from the norm.
The final song on Ramble and Rave On, “Mulberry Rock,” puckers up with a tight T-Rex style groove and percussive vocal that leaves plenty of room for a helix of Gabbard vocal parts. The sleek silver veneer of his lead guitar line is the perfect topper, and as is typical of the record, is the consummate definition of not overplaying but providing a song exactly what it needs.
An unobstructed view of Gabbard’s musical visions, Ramble and Rave On is a focused piece of work and a weighty grab bag of storytelling, melody, and musical fun. It feels like the next logical step in his progression of recordings. This record should be played, flipped, and repeated. You should probably even use its cover to roll another number. While Andrew Gabbard’s sideman work may pay the bills, his solo recordings fulfill the soul.
- Andrew Gabbard – ‘Ramble and Rave On’ (2024) - October 28, 2024
- Why ‘Bobby Charles’ Is the Best Band Album Not Released by the Band - May 29, 2022
- How ‘Paul Simon’ Set the Template for a Career of Dizzying Musical Exploration - January 24, 2022
