Outta Here
Outta Here gives the Gories' sound more body without removing its mess. Two guitars and simple drums clearly remain the foundation. Mick Collins brings a forceful blues voice, while Dan Kroha sounds sharper and more impatient. That difference helps make the restricted line-up lively. Each singer supplies something the instruments alone could not provide.
He's Doin' It opens with a wild urgency that suits Kroha. The title track then finds an equally direct boogie. The band need not develop much material to sound convincing. Rhythm, guitars and singing give one another enough room to keep generating momentum. Their directness allows the songs to make an impression quickly.
Trick Bag strongly illustrates the Gories' treatment of older rhythm and blues. Its performance moves roughly and awkwardly, yet retains enough soul to become more than a loud joke. Collins contributes considerably. His voice makes familiar material personal without requiring the band to transform its form completely.
Omologato gives the instruments greater attention. The groove remains barer than a tightly produced rock band's, but has enough movement of its own. Can't Catch Up With You also maintains an effective rolling pace. Drowning adds assertive backing vocals and a particularly fierce Collins performance. Those differences provide variety within a very recognisable sound. The basic ingredients still allow individual songs to stand apart.
Recordings remain thin and the playing seeks little refinement. Its possibilities are consequently limited: anyone expecting layers or carefully developed arrangements will find little of that here. Yet Outta Here rarely feels empty. Drums stand clearly forward and the voices do considerable work. It is a convincing collection of songs combining knowledge of the blues with the freedom to play loudly and roughly.
