Taddy Porter – S/T (2010) | Hard Rock Hideout

A few months ago, my best friend asked me if I had ever heard of a band called Taddy Porter. When I told her no, she went on and on and on about how amazing they were. She had just seen them open up for some big time band at a little, local venue in our hometown. To make a long story short, she said Taddy Porter blew that big time band away. That was enough to peak my interest.

This quartet from Stillwater, Oklahoma consists of Andy Brewer on vocals/guitar, Kevin Jones on bass, Joe Selby on lead guitar/vocals and Doug Jones on drums. It may look like they’re not quite old enough to buy beer, but they sound like they skipped right over the beer and started guzzling Jack Daniels many, many years ago. Their Facebook bio confirms that their sound “hold[s] you at gunpoint and command[s] that you shake your ass.” That is an understatement.

They draw their influence from the Black Keys, Led Zeppelin, Creedence and Jethro Tull, to name just a few, but I hear some other good things going on. There’s a little AC/DC hiding in there, along with some 80’s rock and a touch of the south and some blues. Their sound is definitely fortified in classic rock with a fresh twist that makes it current and not just another lame, copy cat. This album is just heavy on one of my favorite things: sweet, sweet, good ol’ fashioned, bang your head, get down and dirty rock & roll…and it’s sounds SO good.

For some guys who’ve only been together since 2007, they have a feel that is well beyond their years. It’s so nice to know that these gentlemen take their music seriously; they’re not just a bunch of dudes trying to make it big and get laid (although I’m sure they don’t mind that perk). They actually care about their music. Brewer even took guitar lessons to improve his playing and learn slide. The guitars aren’t overworked or super fancy; they’re simple, dirty and work well together. The drums and bass are heavy and solid. Brewer’s voice is strong and clean, which plays well against all of the dirt the rest of the band is delivering.

The first track, “Whatever Hurts You,” starts off with a slow groove and then blasts your face with rock; it’s a pretty sweet introduction to what’s ahead for your listening pleasure. Their single, “Shake Me” is hot, sexy, loud and rough. There’s enough energy in this song to keep you partying for days, maybe even weeks. The album continues in this rocking fashion with only a couple slower tunes that let you catch your breath.

I could sit here and describe every song on the album to you, but all you really need to know is that it rocks. If you don’t like to rock, then there’s something wrong with you. Can I say “rock” or “dirty” any more in this review? Yes. Make sure your dirty ass buys this album when it comes out because it rocks.

Check out Taddy Porter online at this link! Taddy Porter’s CD hits stores today!!

Rating: Out of 10