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western xterminator
album review
by donald dusinberre
imartsyfartsy@gmail.com


Artist:
 RTX

Title:
Western Xterminator

Label:
Drag City


      First, a little history that might help you appreciate the offerings of RTX:

      The founding member of RTX is Jennifer Herrema, one-half of encyclopedic rock group Royal Trux. Along with her then-boyfriend Neil Hagerty, she helped start Drag City Records while using Royal Trux to explore and recreate a variety of distinctive rock n’ roll styles. For those of you interested in local rock trivia, Herrema has been known to play with drummer and visual artist Chris Pyle, son of Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle. Western Exterminator, the latest record from RTX, finds the band mired in the predominant hard rock sounds of 1985, which is not at all unusual for Herrema. Royal Trux were all about glorifying rock genres, and RTX certainly picks up where they left off. In fact, many of the songs on Western Xterminator are so true to the past, that they would have ruled the stage at LA’s famed Whiskey a Go Go.

      The album begins with a strange ethnic dirge that in no way signals the rest of the album. Eventually, the gentle sounds of the first song fade out, and the crisp distorted guitar riff that follows it sets the real tone.

      Herrema’s voice is perfect for the hard rock that accompanies it. She has the vocal power and range required of a lead singer, while her unique whine flavors the music with an attitude that doesn’t just reproduce 80s rock; it recreates it.

      That’s the real key to RTX’s charm. Even if you no longer enjoy hearing Ratt or the Crüe, you’ll appreciate how expertly RTX creates new music that actually sounds like it isn’t. This is not a cheesy cover band putting out an album of unwanted originals. They write good songs with good musicianship. It almost seems like they don’t realize it’s not 1985, but we know they must because they cover ‘Money will Roll Right In’ by Mudhoney.

      If you long for the attitude and style of those bygone days, then you’ll love what RTX has made. RTX picks up right where Royal Trux left off, not only in name but in spirit.

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