Rob May

Rob May
“GOOD DAYS RULE”
©2009 Independently Released
Review by Lucky Boyd

The opening track is the sole co-write and Rob May’s co-composer Melissa Sambrooks takes the lead on vocals with May taking the 3rds and 5ths. (that’s harmony speak) It’s good to see Sambrooks in another appearance, as she is one of this reviewer’s favorite live performers. May continues with “Crooked Tree” which exploits the Alternative Rock influences splashed with Folk harmonies and Hard Rock lead breaks. May does his best alternate tuning impression on “Beautiful” carrying on the already established tradition of genre blending. By the third cut, you’re hooked on exploration of this unique artist who is bent on breaking all the rules of cookie-cutter Folk Rock albums. Producer Bill Ward’s presence becomes a tad more evident on this track as his instrumentation begins to appear. Track four takes you on an instrumental journey that might be little more than a really cool progression that May couldn’t find a song to wrap around it, but the interlude works and is a very welcome addition to the track list. May uses vocal and instrument twinning on “Lost and Found” to create an emotional dynamic that most artists only wish they could summon. Sambrooks returns to the lead vocal role on “Too Late” after May’s bluesy “Carry Me” and the creatively folky “Roots” which features Wayne Wilkerson on guitar. “Another Love Song” is just that, arguably, but with a world rhythm twist that leans this tune toward being the anthem for the album. The rocky irreverent “El Camino” rounds out the disc and is the most modern production leaving the listener feeling topped off with the album’s best cut. A comfortable release, Rob May’s project is a great debut album. With this level of talent, May will take his place in Texas music quickly and be a mainstay for many years to come.

Stats: 11 tracks, all written by Rob May (BMI) except “Don’t Cry” by Rob May and Melissa Sambrooks; Produced by Bill Ward and Rob May; Musicians: May, Ward, Sambrooks, Wayne Wilkerson, Greg Morrow, Eric Darken; replicated; jewel case, 4/2 panel insert, full color disc, liner notes; running time: 41:43

- My Texas Music