shoes are for work: sympathy

Photo by Vickie Bui

If you've been to the live shows lately you've heard most of the tracks on El Paso Hot Button's latest offering, When I Needed Sympathy. The thing is, you haven't heard them like this. With the production help of Chris Harris (Subatomic Pieces), Mickey Reese has put together an album that stretches the concept of one-man band and brings more flesh out versions of live show staples. A perfect example of what I mean is the opening/title track which has a whole other person, Kelly Brooke Haney (Oh Johhny! Girls), singing lead vocals with wavering organ accompaniment. The other tracks, however, bring back the rhythmic, blues-driven rock we've come to expect and delight in. That being said, these tracks are fresh; studio production has allowed vocals to come through clearer and help to highlight the sex tinged ~~innuendo~~ declarations of EPHB's lyrics. Absent the smoke machine and strobe light we get a full view of the emotional wreckage and carnal desire.
A mix of blood and lust are always a god thing in my book and When I Needed Sympathy delivers with blazing red intensity. A recent review in a local weekly publication (seemingly ignorant of the musical history of the blues and maybe rock music in general) begged the question of how far EPHB could possibly go with only one man his guitar and a few percussion instruments. This album itself answers that; without resorting to obvious tricks, Mickey pummels us with pounding drums leaving bleeding gums and sore genitalia in his wake.

mp3 shoebox
El Paso Hot Button~ Eleven Years
El Paso Hot Button~They Invented It Stupid

bring the sympathy:

Sep 15 2007

8:00P

Opolis

Norman, Oklahoma

Oct 4 2007

8:00P

The Conservatory

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oct 7 2007

8:00P

Mooch and Burn

Tulsa, Oklahoma