Monty Colvin was the bassist and main songwriter
for the critically acclaimed yet commercially overlooked
Galactic Cowboys. When that band decided to call it
a day back in 2000, he started Crunchy as his new
solo project. Loserville is the third album recorded
under that moniker, and it’s the best thing
he’s done in six years.
A concept album based on the story of yearning for
love, love found, love lost, and newfound musical
fame, it’s a bit depressed, happy, angry, and
ecstatic all at once. In other words, the emotions
of the music fit the lyrical story perfectly. Monty’s
affection for pop and punk is readily apparent, but
there’s definitely more heaviness ala the Metallica
tinged title track and “Aftertaste.” He
hasn’t churned out anything this aggressive
in quite a while, and it’s great to hear this
side of his musical personality. Guitar virtuoso Kerry
Livgren (Kansas, AD, Proto-Kaw) serves up a tasty
solo on “A Rock Star Now,” one of those
surreal moments for the listener and Monty alike.
“Call It A Crush” is a great plodding
semi-ballad that Colvin is known for, and instrumental
“These Dead Flowers” displays some excellent
guitar harmonies rarely heard from his prior output.
Monty spent four years working on this album, and
it’s obvious. Better than Clown School Dropout,
and on par with debut All Day Sucker and his work
with Galactic Cowboys, this disc is definitely worth
checking out.
Key Tracks: “Drug Of Choice” is a departure
for Monty, with its tribal drumming, atmospheric verses,
and decidedly sobering message.
Reviewed by Chad Olson |
