ALBUM REVIEW: Kentucky Headhunters – ‘That’s a Fact Jack!’

Practice House Records - 22nd October 2021

 

The Kentucky Headhunters are about to release their brand-new album ‘That’s a Fact Jack!’ and if you’re already a fan then you’re in for a real treat. If you’re not already a fan then you will be soon! This 12-track album is the very first on their own label too – Practice House Records, and contains eleven all-new songs, each penned by The Kentucky Headhunters, plus one cover tune: Rick Derringer’s ‘Cheap Tequila’… 

The title might well remind people of a certain age of the movie ‘Stripes’ featuring Bill Murray, but this is a seriously good album that takes all that you love about the Headhunter’s blend of honky-tonk, blues, and southern rock and runs with it. There’s plenty of passion throughout, some sublime guitar work and vocals then more than ice the cake.

Opening with the brooding bluesy rock of ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ I’m already won over and when that solo cuts in the deal is sealed. The rock solid country swagger and barroom boogie of single ‘How Could I?’ follows, and by the strangely Tom Petty-meets the blues of ‘Water Colors in the Rain’ you’ll be hooked.

There’s so much more though – take the wonderful semi-ballad ‘Susannah’ or the gentle Orbison meets Americana  ‘Cup of Tea’ or the stomp of ‘We Belong Together’ which has a wonderfully soulful vocal and is definitely one of my top picks.

And if you’re still not completely full then try the gritty plea to a broken planet and title track ‘That’s A Fact Jack’ or the gentle Blues of ‘Lonely too Long’ which sports some wonderful guitar and keys. The Rock and Roll Countrified hop of ‘Heart and Soul’ adds yet another flavour. But it’s the final three that really seal it for me – first ‘Cheap Tequila’ with its Southern Blues and Roots caress, before ‘Shotgun Effie’ adds a straight shot of Rock to the pot and it all comes to a boil with the laid back humour of  ‘Let’s All Get Together and Fight’ a wonderful Southern Holiday song! You’ll love it!

The Kentucky Headhunters’ line-up fields: Richard Young (rhythm guitar, lead and harmony vocals), Fred Young (drums, Lead & Harmony vocals), Greg Martin (Lead and Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Lead and Harmony vocals) and Doug Phelps (Bass, Lead and Harmony Vocals).

7.5/10

 

Now available to download or stream from all digital platforms https://orcd.co/khhthatsafactjacksingle

Pre-save Album That’s a Fact Jack! Here  https://orcd.co/kentuckyheadhuntersthatsafactjack

Website: http://www.kentuckyheadhunters.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kentuckyheadhunters
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KyHeads / @KyHeads

About Mark Diggins 1870 Articles
Website Editor Head of Hard Rock and Blues Photographer and interviewer