Search - Wrinkle Neck Mules :: Pull the Brake

On their second album, Pull the Brake, the Wrinkle Neck Mules continue to push the boundaries of American roots-rock with 15 well-crafted tunes about whiskey, murder and the decisions we make after the party ends. The Mules juggle rock ?n? roll and acoustic music in a fashion similar to bands like Uncle Tupelo and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. And they do it with an undercurrent of humor even when themes turn darker. Pull the Brake finds the band reunited with producer Chris Kress (Ben Kweller, Dave Matthews). Andy Stepanian (vocals, guitar, keyboard) and Chase Heard(vocals, guitar, banjo) share songwriting duties on the album. Stepanian is drawn toward darker themes, while Heard has more of a pop sensibility. It is the tension between these two voices that accounts for the band?s rich and varied musical texture. Mason Brent(vocals, guitar, mandolin, pedal steel) once again shines with his scorching guitar solos and tasty flourishes on the mandolin. And Blake Gayle (drums)provides a stripped-down style of playing adding a ragged feel to the music. Cult-hero Bonnie "Prince" Billy also shows up to lend supporting vocals on the hauntingly beautiful "Lowlight." While their first album, Minor Enough, had all the comforts of home, Pull the Brake treads darker ground. Many of the characters in these songs are all too familiar with the temptations that the night offers. But there are still some good-time rockers that offer redemption. The closing track, "Put Your Guitars Where Your Mouth Is," perfectly captures the spirit of the band?s live shows. During the chorus, Heard sings, "Maybe you can have tomorrow, because I?ve got yesterday." With those words, we know we are listening to a band that is proudly steeped in tradition but still plowing new ground.