Riverboat Gamblers "To the Confusion of Our Enemies" (Volcom)
By Pete Mittler
Wednesday. May 17, 1:24 AM
Balls-out rock, now with tastier pop!

Wow! Is this the same Riverboat Gamblers? If it wasn't for the opening track, I wouldn't be too sure. There's been a serious infusion of pop into this band... and I think it's long overdue!! I played this record for some friends and they said that the Gamblers playing Warped Tour last year made them start to sound like one of those shitty emo-pop bands. I disagree. But I do think that it may have inspired them to put more hooks into their balls-out rock. Which, I think, was the only thing missing from the band before this album. The other thing that seems to have made a huge difference is that frontman Mike Wiebe has actually learned how to sing somewhat in key. I've been a big fan of this band ever since I saw them on tour for their first full-length, when I was completely blown away by their insanely energetic live show. The only problem that I had with them was that, on record, the vocals (lead and backing) were often way out of key. I can sympathize with that in a live setting, but in the studio? That seems to have been corrected now, probably in part due to their working with producer Andrew Murdock. I think this is easily their best effort yet. I'm not sure how other long time fans of the band will feel, though: I fear that some of them might view this as a sell out, but I personally really don't think it is. There are elements of modern pop punk, sure, but there's also still that ballsy rockin' out that they are known for, as well as some hint of old power pop, early punk, and of course that strong MC5 and Stooges influence... just with more hooks. For the old time fans, I say give this a good listen all the way through at least once. I predict that, for every rejection by an older fan, the band will gain five new followers.
www.theriverboatgamblers.com
www.volcoment.com

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Pete Mittler

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