Album Review: I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In The House -Mayberry

I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In The House

Mayberry

**and1/2 out of *****

There name may be a mouthful (and taken from Jack Dempsey's famous quote of "I can't sing and I can't dance, but I can lick any SOB in the house.") but their music is easier to digest, radio friendly southern rock with splashes of punk. Front man Michael Dean Damron leads a twin guitar attack that talks about everything from rock and roll road weary warriors ("Break All Your Strings") to the love of a pooch ("I Give Up (The Puppy Song)").

The title track is a great mix of styles, while "When The Sleep Don't Come" shows off a softer ballad side with full on backing vocals. "Liars" is the punkiest the group gets equating the singer to Judas, a nice lyrical touch.  Damron's lyrics are the clear focal point as his semi choked voice gets them out earnestly.  

"It Don't Get Much Better Than This" is total glam rock cheese which can be fun while "My Guitar" is an ode to six slingers and the sweet love of the axe. The harp playing of David Lipkind adds a deeper element to the tracks warbling behind the proceedings or leading the charge. 

There is no doubt that Damron and crew pattern themselves after straight ahead rockers of years past but there is a distinct connection to Patterson Hood and the Drive-by Truckers evident from the get go. The difference may be the Northwest locale of I.C.L.A.SOB.I.T.H who hail from Portland, but the vibe just comes off more polished and reserved then southern fried and sun bleached.
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Support the band here, grab the album here, see them live here and peep a sample below: