Duane Eddy may have invented the reverbed tremolo twang, but Chris Poage opens up a whole new Ball of Wax with “What a Gas.” Busting out of the gate at an allegro clip, Chris (and what I believe are a few of his Panda Conspiracy cohorts) firmly stake themselves in the Tex-Mex-by-way-of-Washington territory of roots rock, complete with trumpet, trombone, and loads of twang.
Chris’s voice is not unlike that of fellow Americana veteran Alejandro Escovedo, a slightly dry hail with a pleasant range that was practically designed for laments on the futility of environmental stewardship in this age of increasing dependence on outdated fossil fuels and exponential carbon footprint growth. Heavy stuff? Well, yes, and perfectly suited for ushering in Ball of Wax 53. Poage’s lyrics call us out on our every sin whilst comparing the west coast to burnt toast and offering a tsk-tsk for the failure of our leaders and captains of industry to put real consideration into alternative fuels and sustainable energy.
I’m down with the message, but any who have read any of my reviews know that I’m all about the arrangement and the accompaniment (full disclosure: I’m not very intelligent, so most lyrics go over my head) and Poage and his band have laid down a groove and progression so enjoyable that I had to pull out my dusty six-string and play along. Bonus: Katie and Liana Green not only carry the tune along, they get to show off their horn talents with a trumpet-and-trombone break that’s got to bring down the house live. (Make sure to catch Chris and friends at the Ball of Wax 53 show on August 3rd!)
Guided by those reverbed tremolo twang guitar licks, this works great as night-driving music . . . especially fitting for these times when we’re so close to permanently blocking out the sun.