THE BODARKS – SIDE EFFECTS – ALBUM REVIEW

 

My new found fascination for Americana and folk music is somewhat of a surprise. My appreciation of artists like The Dead South and Alec Lytle is one of the main reasons for my awakening. Now you can add another amazing artist to the list, The Bodarks.

The Bodarks are a five piece northern Texas ensemble that espouses a form of Americana they have labeled “Hootenanny”. According to The Bodarks, “Hootenanny” is “music that breaks down barriers-between genres and people“. That is exactly what they do on their new record, Side Effects, releasing 10/10/2020.

Forming in 2012, The Bodarks mix ragtime, jug band, western swing with a heathy spattering of punk. The current lineup consists of Shelly New (Fiddle/Vocals), Jeff Brooks (Banjo/Guitar/Stomp-Box/Vocals), Robert Carter (Upright Bass), Daniel Mehalko (Mandolin/Vocals) and “Doc” Adrian Cook (Washboard/Percussions). They have released three previous albums including last year’s Live Americana. They have garnished quite a few accolades including nominated for the “Best Country Act In Dallas” by Ghost of the Blind Lemon Ghostly and were Shiner Rising Star finalists. The Bodarks even got scouted for America’s Got Talent.

The upcoming record, Side Effects, includes ten original tunes and three “Bodarked” covers. The album boasts dynamic songwriting, inventive hooks and strong musicianship. Every song is pleasantly adventurous and courageous.

The very first tune sets the tone for the disc. “James Intro” is a young lad introducing The Bodarks. James is letting us know that there is something special coming around the corner. “The Fiddler’s Bride” ensues. The fiddle lead-in has your toes a-tapping right from the start. The upbeat tempo and audacious vocals are charismatic and compelling. The lively bass and infectious washboard set a perfect timbre. The harmonies are luscious. “Long-Gone Suzie” has your hoedown shoes on. I’m looking for the barn and the lovely lass to corral. Brooks’ voice fits ideally with the animated music.

Up next is the first of three clever covers. Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” gets countrified. New’s fiddle and Mehalko’s mandolin are wonderfully delightful. Again the harmonies are engaging. The song is pure fun. “Circus” and “Side Effects” both lay down a cool country swing feel. On “Circus”, Cook’s washboard and Brooks’ crunchified banjo and accordion are captivating. “Side Effects” is more buoyant and easily has the feet moving. The piano works extremely well with the tempo. “Won’t Stop Till I’m Dead” moves the lead vocals New’s way. Her voice and whole vibe of the tune are charming.

Alice In Chains‘ “Rooster” comes next and is one of my favorites on the disc. The Bodarks interpretation is woeful and solemn yet still satisfying. New’s rueful fiddle creates a sorrowful flavor which really takes the tune to a unique plateau. “Born Again Sinner” has the band square dancing again. Next off is “Down And Out in WF” and the western swing returns in full force. The aura is laid back and relaxed. The song is a homage to their northern Texas roots. “Wishing Well” is superb with its strong chorus and inviting harmonies. The tune centers on the trials and tribulations of the Texan farmer. Further more, we all want to know what secret lies down the wishing well.

The Bodarks finish Side Effects with three noble songs. “Movin’ Man” is enjoyable. Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” is the band’s last cover and once again their version is clever and rousing. They end with the bluesy “Whole Lotta Trouble”. The tune is a fitting finale to the dazzling Side Effects.

The Bodarks may currently be a northern Texas phenomenon but in no time soon the rest of the world will come a-running.

Jeff Brooks from The Bodarks kindly agreed to answer a few questions for the readers of AMP.

AMP: The band always picks cool songs to cover. How does the band select them?

JEFF: Well, here’s something our fans may not know about The Bodarks. We’re a bunch of metalheads. Sabbath and Rage Against The Machine are probably my two favs of all time. And Shelly was deep into Marilyn Manson and White Zombie growing up. So, of course we have to dip into that. Also, from the get-go we’ve always liked blending genres. Which makes sense because most of us played in a sorts of other types of bands from hard rock to country blues and Irish folk. The crowds have ben a factor, too. They have responded best to the familiar yet unexpected covers like Ozzy or the Cranberries.

AMP:  The Bodarks released Live Americana as a free giveaway. How did that work out?

JEFF: We Bodarks wanted to give something back to our fans, to our “Bodarkistas”. They’re amazing! I supposed the idea originally came when we funded our first album with a crowd sourcing campaign. We always felt so grateful for that. So, our fans got the free tracks first, even before release. Then they shared the music around a bit and our fan base grew. So we benefitted in that sense. Mainly we wanted to show our gratitude.

AMP: What do you want your fans to take away from your music?

JEFF: The old idea of a “hootenanny” in the Woody Guthrie sense is a lively gathering of folks making music together. Your not just an observer. You’re a participant. Our style has been called hootenanny for lack of a better term. We want listeners to feel they’re part of what’s happening. Whether it’s on stage or on their cell phones. And with this pandemic, right now this feeling of gathering together is something we all can really use.

AMP: What are your hopes and aspirations for Side Effects?

JEFF: Turns out the side effects of social distancing can in some ways be even worse than the physical symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. So, for this new album we wanted to capture that live energy in the studio and present it as a sort of remedy to the impact of social distancing. Like you’re at a riotous backyard party with all your pals, maybe jamming along. And, Hey! if it also gets us booked at the Newport Folk Festival when this pandemic passes, that’s a bonus.

The Bodarks new release, Side Effects, will drop on 10/10/20. By all means download it on your preferred streaming service. Let’s get this hootenanny started.

THE BODARKS

• Shelly New—————Fiddle/Vocals
• Jeff Brooks—————Banjo/Guitar/Stomp-box/Harmonica/Vocals
• Robert Carter————Upright Bass
• Daniel Mchalko———-Mandolin/Vocals
• “Doc” Adrian Cook——Washboard/Percussion

Side Effects is The Bodarks fourth album

• The Bodarks————–2015
• Uprooted—————–2018
• Live Americana———-2019
• Side Effects————–2020

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