Scratch Around
Scratch Around
a review of Phat Anchovies - Ready to Serve - released July 19, 2024
by Jason Jones
August 6, 2024
Sultry drummer funk with a smoky disco luster, but packing a southern growl, soaring vocals, and chic guitar: the debut album from Phat Anchovies is good ol’ foot-on-the-gas, anthemic classic rock music, heavy on thick bluesy marches, in-your-face attitude, and skillful climbs beset with seamless drops. It’s an unabashed rock n’ roll introduction to a promising, authentic, loud band with fistfuls of vision. For a debut, Phat Anchovies struts the razor’s edge, balancing a cohesive boogie with surprising disparity, taking up unexpected side quests, and dotting the trail with polished jewels, all without deforming their structured originals.
Based in Roanoke, Virginia, Phat Anchovies has made their name playing scalding hot live shows, highlighted with alluring stage presence and spicy instrumentation. They bring that same high octane stage energy to the album, too, but with more sophistication and clarity than ever before. “Mercy,” written by Tianjing Sun, is a breadwinning track, a full-throated, no holds barred, rock anthem. There’s a wisp of dark humor circulating the song list as well—spoken clearest in the call-and-response vocal section of the playful title song “Ready to Serve.” The track is a sterling example of the southern glam sound that Phat Anchovies is learning to unleash and harness. “The Barn” features GOTE guitarist John McBroom, adding a layer of breezy guitar to the spirited ballad, “a sweet elixir.” The closer “Funk3049” is working people's music, replete with long days on the assembly line, broken dreams, and corporate lies. It’s another well-placed and provocative song that leaves me wanting more.
Catchiest Track: “Groovin’ (to the Phat Anchovies)
I love the confidence of the opener, of the band introducing themselves and their sound by name. It’s proper and it takes swag: it’s a promise to deliver. And they bring the goods.
Most Surprising Track: “Shotgun” (featuring Bradley Carr)
I was familiar with the song, as an earlier version has been available online for some time. The surprise is in the highly elevated spacey, percussive jam section of the song. What was previously a tepid step off the path has grown into an interdimensional odyssey, featuring The Thrillbillyz guitarist Bradley Carr, and crowned by Eve-lynn Deegan’s crystalline croon of “put down your shotgun, I just wanna talk,” before the band kick starts a furious breakdown.
Editor’s Pick: “Butts Up!”
Rock hard rock, blustery as a Harley, with a rowdy sense of humor, think Zappa, Ween, Sexbruise?, The Darkness, and you’re on the right track. Bawdy and definitive, ”Butts Up!” certifies Phat Anchovies as gamblers on the verge of getting it on, rockbottom headbangers fighting for their right to party, a cowboy funk band at home in the grit and glam of their artistry, with four on the floor—and everybody knows what’s up.
Phat Anchovies
Ready to Serve (Released July 19, 2024).
Recorded, engineered, and produced by Matt King.
Available now on streaming platforms.
Ready to Serve made me think of:
Nile Rodgers
AC/DC
Funkadelic
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Joe Walsh
Cheap Trick
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
moe.
Black Sabbath <>