Released by: SBÄM Records
Release Date: Juley 26th, 2024
Genre: Punk Rok
Links: https://www.facebook.com/fatbythegallon
Tracklist:
To The Chopper
No Se
10 Speed White Collar Blues
Change It All
G.I. Joe Was Full of Shit Man
Bound for Misery
Crosstimbers
Whiskey Breath
Dogleg
Letting Go
Originating from Dallas, the birthplace of oil and J.R. Ewing (for those of us old enough to remember him), Fat By The Gallon have released an album that exudes the kind of music that The Offspring made famous back in the early 90s with albums like Ignition and Smash.
Just as I was contemplating this about the music, with Ward Stories playing loudly, track 2, 10 Speed White Collar Blues commenced with the type of ska-punk introduction that also makes me think of Dexter, Noodles, and Co. So far so “Enjoying this a lot.”
A change in pace and style halfway through the song also demonstrates the fact that FBTG have a lot of ideas of their own and aren’t afraid to present them to eager listeners. Both of mine gratefully received them and translated them into a desire to wander around the room with a beer in my hand and a big grin on my face.
When we get to the likes of Bound For Misery, we have a band willing to throw their hat into the ring with multiple styles and genres. From Californian punk stylings to redneck country punk stylings, FBTG seem more than capable of hitting the ground running across the board, and it makes the desire to see the band perform live increase with each song as it blasts out of the speakers.
A special mention goes to G.I. Joe Was Full of Shit, Man! and it’s worth the mention because, to quote lead singer Chris Cutler, “Huntington’s disease is a disease that has plagued my family for generations. My Mom had it, so I always knew there is a 50/50 chance of me having it. This song pretty much summarizes the feeling after receiving the test results. Back in the day the G.I. Joe cartoons always had a segment where they would say ‘Now I know!’ and ‘Knowing is half the battle.’ Considering there is no cure for Huntington’s, maybe knowing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Even the album cover, a shot taken by Phil Buehler of “Wardy Forty” located at Greystone Park state hospital in New Jersey, represents the actual hall and room Woody Guthrie spent his time as a patient due to his bout with Huntington’s disease. Everything is interconnected.
The album concludes fittingly with Letting Go because to progress, sometimes that’s just what you need to do. It’s also one of the best songs The Wildhearts have never written. One for the fans of theirs for sure.
Score 9/10
Reviewed by: Adrian Hextall
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