Tag: galactic cowboys

Another band that existed in the strange kind of town, just like KingsX and Atomic Opera, are Galactic Cowboys. In fact, they were very close to the mighty X with members guesting on each other’s projects and indeed, basing themselves in the same town.

After being on a major label for their first two albums, they were dropped by Geffen and no one at the time seemed to take much notice of the demos they had for this, their third album. Along came Brian Slagel from Metal Blade, who gave the band a lifeline and signed them on the strength of the demos and let them make the album they wanted to.

At times, this record is very angry and the band were obviously pissed off at the misfortune at the hands of the majors, so all their frustrations came out in the songs. There are still elements of those great vocal melodies and harmonies, but mixed with the heavy guitar and low end groove, is one heavy record indeed. Red Sun is the one track that really sets me alight. Very heavy riffing throughout and the vocal harmonies are so good. They actually do sound just like a Seattle band in places, which is ironic because that’s why Geffen dropped them.

Good album from a band flying against the groove.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

Galactic Cowboys are often unfairly called KingsX-lite, mainly due to the association of Sam Taylor producing both bands and each band’s love of three part harmonies. This album came out in ’91, near enough at the same time as Nirvana’s Nevermind, so you can guess the amount of promo the record company spent on the album. There are some really fine moments locked in the grooves of this forgotten gem.

Why Can’t You Believe In Me is just superb. The vocal harmonies alone are worth the price of admission. Add to that, a quirky killer riff and groove, and it’s a winner all the way (yes, it does sound like KingsX). They even delve into thrash territory with Kaptain Krude. On this track they mix heavy Anthrax-style riffage with those superb harmonies.

Talking of an Anthrax, where does the first riff to Sea Of Tranquility come from? Caught In A Mosh maybe? They do have a weird sense of humour that comes through in a lot of their tunes. None more so than on Pump Up The Space Suit, which just for the craic gets my thumbs up for favourite tune.

They have disappeared and come back a few times over the years, they last released an album back in 2017. This one is still a great listen after all these years.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.