Action Packed Thrill Ride

"Are you ready for an action packed thrill ride?" the members of this group wonder in their brief "theme song" -- but instead of belting out the inquiry in belligerent tones against a strident backdrop, they warble with inebriated brio over a straggling guitar strum. That's called irony, my friends,...

By Michael Roberts

February 22, 2007

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"Are you ready for an action packed thrill ride?" the members of this group wonder in their brief "theme song" -- but instead of belting out the inquiry in belligerent tones against a strident backdrop, they warble with inebriated brio over a straggling guitar strum. That's called irony, my friends, and the Packers use it well throughout their latest EP, a shambolic offering filled with relaxed bonhomie.

Lucas Johannes, John Schafer, Mark Cawthray, Jeni Sykes, Jon Evans and Sten Valin don't form the tightest musical unit; "I Can't Recall" vacillates between comparatively noisy riffing and quieter passages when the performers seem unsure if they should keep playing or not. Nevertheless, the combination of rustic instrumentation (acoustic guitars, upright bass, mandolin, banjo, etc.) and convivial vocalizing works more often than not, transforming the likes of "Get By" into an intoxicating brew that goes down warm.

Thrilling? Maybe not. But it's still a very enjoyable Ride.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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