Review: GALACTIC COWBOYS – What Planet Are You From?
Album Review: What Planet Are You From? by GALACTIC COWBOYS
In our day of incremental social, political and cultural upheaval, there are three things we can count on – death, taxes and the Galactic Cowboys. Obscurity be damned, after 37-years, this criminally overlooked band remains legit!
Galactic Cowboys’ latest release, What Planet Are You From?, ripe with punishing riffs and epic themes, arguably rivals their best work. The musical onslaught is dynamically propelled with machine-like precision by drum phenom, Johnny Simmons. Mr. Simmons lays down a pummeling foundation, enabling the other players to shine like never before.
Unfortunately, Johnny passed away shortly after the completion of his drum tracks. The album is dedicated to him. (Original and founding member, Alan Doss, who is an outstanding drummer in his own right, did not participate in this project).
Lyrically, this may be the closest the band has ever come to a full concept album. The prevailing sentiment? The title says it all. As we push the boundaries of reality, at what point do we not only lose our humanity, but ultimately are soul.
The intensity of the music is matched by the urgency of the lyrics. “Blinders” highlights our susceptibility to social engineering and sanctioned propaganda. (The title track also covers similar territory). “Superspreader” satirically describes the (emergency) power of coordinated cultural conditioning. “Trainwreck” addresses the arrogance and condescension of corrupt, agenda-driven politicians. “The Liars” aptly targets the indiscretions of the legacy media with a classic reference to the infamous Bill O’Reilly freakout of 1993. While “Out of the Darkness” emphatically speaks to those enslaved by the manufactured consensus.
The pushback is refreshing, but not every lyrical expression is designed to point the finger. “Love Rehab,” in particular, looks upward for the hope and strength to overcome adversity and heartbreak. “I Can’t Let Go” also, albeit more broadly, explores themes of undeniable faith and otherworldly submission.
At the end of the day, What Planet Are You From? gets my vote for rock album of the year.
Album Highlights: Out of the Darkness, Blinders, Love Rehab, I Can’t Let Go, Buried a Friend, Trainwreck, Mr. Knowitall
Final Rating: 9 (out of 10).
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