As mentioned in my Bonnaroo 2008 report, I discovered Back Door Slam at the festival by happenstance and became a huge fan from this performance. I raved to all who would listen and bought their album Roll Away, which doesn’t do them justice like a live performance where they can really cut loose.
They open the set with Cream’s “Outside Woman Blues,” a band who serves as their template. Starting with a familiar blues-rock sound, they don’t seem much different from many bands that cover the same musical territory. Then at about 2:30, guitarist Davy Knowles first unleashes his mind-blowing talents with a power and intensity that signals this is a young man to keep tabs on. Even with a soundboard mix fully focusing on the band, the crowd is so enthralled they can be heard cheering him on underneath.
The original “Gotta Leave” is a wicked slow blues reminiscent of the kind Led Zeppelin used to play. It’s got heavy lyrics coming from a 21-year-old about affairs of the heart as he implores “How can I trust you/ when you can’t trust yourself?” It’s gut-wrenching if you’ve been in the narrator’s shoes. Listen to the crowd as he makes the guitar sing; you’ll likely hear fellow Bonnarooer Fumo Verde and myself shouting our approval.
They pay tribute to B.B. King, who also played the festival, by playing a song he covered: John Hiatt’s “Riding With The King.” They follow this up with a perfectly apropos song for the setting, CSNY’s “Almost Cut My Hair.” The crowd’s appreciation can be heard growing in intensity, seemingly endless as the sweet licks Knowles lays down.
Offering up an original that stands equally alongside the covers presented, the sure-to-be classic “Come Home” is an infectious song. Adam Jones’ bass lines burrow into the soul before there’s a chance to do anything about it, Ross Doyle’s drums hypnotize, and with no defenses left Knowles knocks the listener senseless. I don’t know how anyone can hear that song and not become a fan.
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Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
I'm still quite frustrated that I had to settle for digital only, but the music was worth having even in that restricted setting. "Come Home" is the song that made me a fan. Knowles is a true heir to the throne.
2 - El Bicho
I find it odd myself, Josh. So are you going to hold off for a hard copy of the new album that's currently available digitally?
3 - Josh Hathaway
Most definitely. I have been known to pay for an album twice, but I try to limit that. I can wait for the physical and then I'll rip it for portability.
4 - Ryan McGee
For me this is far better than 'coming up for air' id buy this first. The original trio are at their best here
5 - El Bicho
I haven't got through Coming Up yet, but I agree with your second point, Ryan
6 - gusstro
where do you buy the LP of did they not release that yet i dont wanna buy the digital