Now Playing: Dirty Deuce’s ‘Bruised’

Dirty Deuce is down and ready to rock! Their newest platter is titled Bruised. But first, for those not yet familiar with the act in question, a bit o’ background.

Dirty Deuce

Dirty Deuce promotes themselves as “the musical mathematicians of rock -n-roll religion.” They are based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The current roster includes: Reverend Rob Atwood (guitars and vocals), Jamey Clark (drums), Greg Rotiek (bass), David Passow (harmonica), and Matt Ostlund (saxophone).

Atwood and Clark are experienced performers. They were out working on their rockin’ resumes prior to forming Dirty Deuce. Atwood’s precious credits include touring and touring with a group known as The Probers from 1996 through 2004.

They played at the famous House of Blues in Chicago that was one of MTV’s first live Internet broadcasts. Their tune "Who's Your Daddy" was also featured in a 2003 MLB Playoffs series.

Clark’s prior claims to fame include performing with James Brown’s first drummer Clyde Stubblefield, the "Godfather of Austin Blues" W.C. Clark, Timbuk 3’s Pat MacDonald and the Go-Gos’ Jane Wiedlen. Passow, Rotiek, and Ostlund were added to the roster following Atwood and Clark’s decision to team up.

Signature sound

Dirty Deuce’s signature sound is a melange of multiple music genres including (but not necessarily limited to) alternative, blues, country, funk, and rock. The group’s sound was once described as “rock-tinged alt-country with a strong melodic base.” The act’s numerous influences range from T. Rex, to ZZ Top.

Bruised

This disc includes ten original tracks. All but one cut was written by frontman Atwood and the band. .

Track by Track

This album opens on an upbeat tune titled "Call It What You Will." The band refers to it as a “PMA” piece meaning “positive mental attitude.”

The second selection is "Agree To Disagree." It is a fitting aleit not entirely unexpected cut concerning an all too often universal truth. The band notes that it underlines “the truths about male-female relationships/”

The next number is "Bruise:" The song earns its place as the near-title track, for sure. It features guest musician Jeff Hamilton on lap steel and comes complete with tongue-in-cheek humor.

"Psychological Judo" follows. This is a lively, memorable cut that focuses on what DD calls “the fiery hoops that you wan-tingly leap through.” Producer Zach V. adds guitars on this track.

"Lean Back Cadillac" follows a sexy, surprising endorsement from a female fan. It has a retro element to it. The group calls it a “1970's B-Movie seen through the eyes of a song.” Zach V. appears on keyboards.

"Shake Well (Featuring Pat MacDonald):" is a tribute cover of a song by the group’s “good friend [and guitarist] Pat MacDonald (of Timbuk 3 and Purgatory Hill renown).” It undoubtedly works well with live audiences.

Things slow down a little with "One Crazy Summer:"This one has a feeling of spontaneity. It sounds like they’re having fun as if this “ode to the significant other that doesn't exist” is one of their favorites. ’.

"Appreciate Your Soul" certainly works well at live gigs as This one is an obviously appreciative piece that was
specifically penned for all their fans. The DD signature sound still remains consistent.

"You Might" is described as”a 'maybe' love song.” The listener should understand that after listening to the cut. Every band needs a slow ballad and this one is Dirty Deuces’. It’s a good tune for slow dancing. *Y’all remember what that is, right?)

The closing cut, "Kiss Ass Love Song" is ewpoetwdly a “[t]rue story of ill-fated love.” Here DD demonstrates their abilities one more time. More importantly, the track is, to be .blunt, funny as f**k too!

Overall…

Overall, this disc is a long-awaited follow-up to the group’s 2016 release titled simply 333. The platter is packed with original hard-driving blues and old-fashioned rock music as altered through the act’s own personal presentational perspective. So check out Dirty Deuce’s Bruised because “You Might” find out it leaves a mark!

(Images courtesy of​ Doug Deutsch Publicity Services)