Singer-songwriter and guitarist Marina Rocks unveils her third long player, S.O.S. Texas, an album marinated in Texas boogie, Americana, country rock, world beat, and bluegrass.
Produced by Marina Rocks, who wrote all the songs except for “One More Song,” which she co-wrote with R.W. Boyd, S.O.S. Texas features the talents of Marina Rocks (guitars, vocals, drums, keys, percussion), Lloyd Maines (acoustic guitar/slide, dobro, bass), Alex Rodriguez (fretless bass), Aden Buebeck (bass), Pat Manske (percussion), and Gardy Weldon (chromatic harmonica).
Of the nine tracks on the album, highlights include “It’s All Messed Up.” A song about the craziness of the world, there’s a delicious edginess to the song, tight and thrumming with energy. Sizzling guitar licks give this song oomph.
Marina Rocks explains, “A friend named Darrell came to me with this story about an ex-girlfriend who called him one night. She said she needed some help. Darrell, being a nice guy, went over to help her out. When he got to her house, he found she had a baby squirrel in her purse. At 60 mph over on Highway 225 outside of Houston, this woman jumped out of the truck! The lady survived and the squirrel did not. Two weeks later local authorities dropped her back at Darrell’s front door. Darrell, in his very rich southern accent, said you know ‘that’s just all f…. d up!'”
Dipped in sleazy guitars, “S.O.S” rides a measured rhythm topped by Marina Rocks’ luscious, oily vocals. The lyrics narrate the slick artificiality of the music business.
“Can you write another Tequila Love Song / What will you do when your money’s all gone / Come on write another / Yea Tequila Love Song.”
Akin to a country gospel hymn, “One More Song,” with its twangy, gliding flow, reveals the poignancy of life via Marina Rocks’ evocative vocals, laced with wistful longing for the mislaid joy of life.
A personal favorite because of its low-lighted reggae flow, “Mind’s Eye” shuffles and sways its way into your ears, shaping an almost hypnotic momentum that’s irresistible.
“One More Song (Rewind)” ties the album off with unconcealed gospel flavors, a searching prayer-like invocation to the sorrow and regret of human existence. Marina Rocks’ vocals imbue the lyrics with the palpable emotions of vulnerability.
A worthy album that ranges hither and thither stylistically, with S.O.S. Texas, Marina Rocks delivers songs of beauty and wry wisdom.
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