National Music Reviews
The 24th Street Wailers
Where Evil Grows
LMB Records
Street: 03.05
The 24th Street Wailers = Wanda Jackson + Little Richard + Little Willie John + Lavern Baker
Not every band can perfectly capture the nostalgia for swinging 1950s rock n’ roll and then proceed to wreck your speakers due to the necessity of a dangerously high volume level. Where Evil Grows is an altogether up-tempo, gritty rockabilly album defined by the brilliant blend of harsh yet soulful vocals courtesy of the drummer/vocalist Lindsay Beaver and prominent sax that makes this record an exception to an exhausted genre. While there is no filler on this album, I should say that every record has its numbers that merit some distinction for definitely standing out and requiring many repeats. These songs are the wailing “Cursed,” the sharp, proactive tune “Spitfire,” the longing title track and, for good measure, the jumping “Ooh Wee Yeah.” –Nick Kuzmack