Bottletones

Live At the Copper Dragon

(Small Wonder Production / Lost Cross)

The most rewarding live records convey first-hand gig ambiance. Turning the volume to its highest register, the at-home listener can all but feel shoulder-jostles from fellow audience members and see multi-colored lights pan the crowd before settling on the stage up front. 

This disc offer that. And more.

If Chicago's Bottletones are known for anything, it's strapping, Rockabilly-informed Rock'n'Roll that spotlights guitar ferocity. The group can and does seize songs as opportunities to manifest lapel-grabbing ruggedness that, despite immensity, is arrestingly light on its feet.

But the group surely also enjoys repute as an engaging live attraction, one whose members are very much at ease before roaring audiences. The assuredness with which they tear off tremendous hunks of old-school rocking, and their trading of jaunty banter with fans (effectively knocking down the invisible wall), establish them as a 'can't miss' phenomenon.

Recommended: "How Long You Wanna Live, Anyway?," "Jack Rose P.I.," "When She Was Big," "Maybe Baby, Maybe Not," "Beer," "Frog Strangler," "French Curves!," "Psycho For Your Love," "Rocket 7," "Cast Iron Arm"

Video: "Jack Rose P.I." (studio version)

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