When I received the new Legendary Hucklebucks CD (on the Rock N Roll Purgatory label), I had no idea what to expect. The cover art features a photo from a 1964 concert where everyone appears to be doing "The Pony" or "The Twist".

Popping in this CD I was taken on an entirely different ride. Pittsburgh's Legendary Hucklebucks launch this CD with a force like a rocket sled on rails. This ain't your Daddy's old slow and creaky rollercoaster. The Hucklebucks debut CD is guaranteed to Rattle All Night Long and Shake You!

"21 Days in Jail", the opening track, introduces the fast fingers of Matt Schor's guitar work, Uncle Piddle's bass, Brian Gaut's driving drums, and Ted Bundy's rockin' vocals—accented with his bluesy harmonica. This is a great punk-a-billy band that features the rare combination of fast rocking rhythms and their lyrics are actually clear and for the most part smartly written.

Of the 11 tracks on this CD, all appeal strongly. Many are reminiscent of Reverend Horton Heat, but the Hucklebucks have retained more of the garage edge to their music. While listening to the Hucklebucks I have this feeling that I can see some of their other musical influences—there are vestiges of motor-city rockers KISS on "Sin City", while "Hillbilly Throwdown" seems influenced by Social Distortion. "Doghouse Blues" conjures an early Stray Cats vibe, but with more grit.

"Honky-Tonk Angel", the first song that hits you as pure unadulterated rockabilly tune on this disc, proves that it's alright to pull elements or flavors from bands that influence you and add them to your concoction without sounding like you've copped a vibe. Rattle All Night Long and Shake You! is wall to wall with energy, tight music, and enough grease to keep you rocketing along the tracks at 800mph. I like this disc enough that I'm strapping in for another ride.