Alex Cano
Dirty grooves with “Got My Number”
There’s a certain tone that comes from rockers on the East Coast. The guitars and vocals seem to be just a bit thicker than the West Coast, and the tempos and vibe are more aggressive that what you find in the South. Alex Cano falls in that mode perfectly. He’s a singer, songwriter and guitarist from New York with pipes and tones that remind us that Rock & Roll will never die. This track, “Got My Number,” has a solid, dirty, 70’s groove to it. Here’s our review.
The track starts with a full chord riff, the band drops in and we settle in to a heavy groove. The vocal line of the melody slithers perfectly through the chords, accentuated by a great slide part. The story is one of feeling chased, pursued, like you’re having to always look over your shoulder. Realizing that, you can visualize this track being used in a movie where the good guy is on the run - being run down for things he didn’t do. The hook of the chorus (“I gotta move, yeah!”) is definitely one worthy of being screamed by thousands of fans at an arena show. All throughout the track, there’s some subtle hits, pushes and riffs that make sure it never gets dull, and when it builds into the solo section it gets as heavy as an Allman Bros jam (great B3 tones, by the way, that always gets our juices flowing!). The mix, production and tones for the entire track are solid. Big drums, hollow-body tones, tube amps, vintage keys - it’s all here, and mixed precisely. Additionally, Alex has that great vocal growl that is pretty much a prerequisite in the rock world. This release is just as solid as anything you’ll hear in the mainstream circuits.
You should definitely check out his album, “Every Rise of the Sun.” “Two Steps on the Train” has a bit of a Grateful Dead / the Band vibe. Great track! “Back Against the Wall” is another dirty groove track that shines with his solid voice and storytelling - the solo section syncopation and breakdowns are killer. “I’ll Wait” shows a softer side, in the vein of Tom Waits and Springsteen’s “Nebraska” work, with a gorgeous build and great tones. And then there’s “Asleep at the Wheel,” a banger that’s synonymous with the Foo’s and Aerosmith. So thankful that there’s artists like him out there, we look forward to what he’ll be doing next!