Buffalo-based band Well Worn Boot takes influence from stylized, western country music within the frame of a ’70s shake rock band. The group draws inspirations from Jethro Tull, AC/DC, GWAR, The Grateful Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Primus, American Legends, Korn, and SlipKnot. In the event that you book the band, you’ll be able to expect uproarious shaking music punctuated by woodwind playing, showiness, humorous comedy, puppetry, and most of all… excitement.
The band released their first debut full length ten track album on June 16th, Riverbottom Nightmare, as a mission statement to what their fans can expect to hear from this one-of-a-kind group. The venture of the project begins off solid with the primary opening track, “Boys In The Band,” as the first minute contains shimmering guitar riffs alongside deafening pounds coming from the drums. Not only is it a six-minute track filled with hype about the group themselves, but it’s also foreshadowing of the best to come from Well Born Boot. Three minutes and a half into the track, you can hear the singer (also known as “The Plainsman”) say, “Well I wrote all the lyrics, yeah I wrote them in them in the sand, well you can call my little rock song, the boys in the band…” It harkens back to simpler times when rock bands were effortlessly cool by simply existing – think AC/DC or ZZ Top.
The band used a variety of great different ways to showcase their talents on this project. On track four, titled, “Snake,” the first 40 seconds sound like you’re sitting in a saloon listening to it on an old 90’s radio until they burst through the doors to start playing their own rock version of the song. You can feel the inspiration from other forms of entertainment here (e.g. Star Wars) as track seven is titled, “Life on Tatooine,” paying homage to Anakin and Luke Skywalker’s homeworld. The song really makes you feel like you’re on Tatooine – the baseline gives it the feel as if you’re in the middle of the sandy desert and the background vocals give off the vibe that you are surrounded by all the smugglers and criminals coming after you. The band’s depth (or purposeful lack thereof) shines through in every note and lyric, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
The outro track, “Vote,” starts off with a chorus that will stick in your mind, even when you aren’t listening to it. The Plainsman shouts, “Vote, Vote,” a couple of times before telling their fans that if they’re not happy with the way the world is around them, to go out and vote. It’s a very strong message to have in a song, especially coming from a band as raucous and rowdy as WWB. Many people in our world today complain about how we live, yet don’t want to do anything about it to try and help or fix it… Regardless of it all, the adrenaline-pumping rhythm and blistering guitar riffs make it impossible to resist headbanging along.
Though you can only get an inkling of it from the album cover, it would be folly not to mention one of Well Worn Boot’s most appealing qualities – their live show. With full-blown costumed degeneracy alongside alter ego madness, this band is truly an “experience.” Their next upcoming show in Buffalo is on July 29th at Jack Rabbit – we highly recommend being in attendance.
Beneath all the swampy riffs and tongue-in-cheek approaches here, it’s safe to say this band is here to party. From the intense basslines and guitar riffs, to the pounding drums, as well as the interesting and eccentric flute accompaniment, it’s all a good time. Even The Plainsman has his own unique sound, low and raspy with the hint of a country accent. If you’re looking for something eclectic to listen to, this band is certainly it.
The project was released on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp on June 16th. If you would like to follow along the band’s journey and see them live in the heart of Buffalo, NY, follow them on Instagram.