-Dave Stallard

Four-decade underground Southern music legend Col. Bruce Hampton has been responsible for up-starting more than a few talented musicians from the Atlanta scene-Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band), Jimmy Herring (The Dead and Widespread Panic) and Jeff Sipe (Phil Lesh), who were all part of his Aquarium Rescue Unit. Now the latest is multi-instrumentalist and accomplished songwriter Bobby Lee Rodgers, who has officially taken over as the lead voice for The Codetalkers. On “Now,” the band works hard to defy an easy label. The trio shifts styles fluidly from track to track, moving from raucous, organ-driven Southern funk to mellow singer/songwriter acoustic ballads to crunchy guitar rock. There is no denying their chameleon-esque approach to songwriting and recording is serving the band well. Depending on the track, Rodgers’ guitar either growls or whispers, while bassist Ted Pecchio and drummer Tyler Greenwell prove to be just as comfortable laying the foundation for scorching rock tunes as they are providing subtle sonic highlights for the album’s quieter moments. To let his influence linger Hampton lends his unmistakable vocals to the album’s last track, “Sound Sister.” The energy and eclectic spirit of “Now” are infectious and listeners should easily be hooked by The Codetalkers.

Track 2 - Broken Home
Track 3 - Tumblin' Down
Track 4 - Blow My Brains