Album review: KENTUCKY RUCKUS – Space Is A Place

Website [Release date 29.04.22]

Kentucky Ruckus, as their name suggests, hail from Kentucky featuring the Reed brothers – guitarist Kelly and drummer – vocalist Matt Red Moore and bassist Mack Keiffer. The album was recorded and engineered by Tom Tapley (Mastodon, Blackberry Smoke, Larkin Poe). Kentucky maybe known for being bluegrass country but Kentucky Ruckus prefer their music to rock louder and harder.

One thing that sticks out upon listening to the album is the space given to each instrument, from the suitably spacey intro on ‘Astro 99’ (where you can hear the drum sticks!), through to the funky bass/keys trade off on ‘Code Red’. The latter has a psychedelic/stoner vibe, channelling perhaps Monster Magnet via Wolfmother.

‘The Flood’ taps into the psychedelic sound giving a chance for Matt Red Moore to show his vocal prowess. He has an earthy tone that grabs the listener’s attention. The song also features THE guitar solo of the album from Kelly Reed. Plenty of style, no unnecessary flash.

Those after quick fire, kick ass southern rock look no further than ‘Gator’ and ‘Hit Song’, which features the great lines ‘Well I wrote your hit song, got a headstone big enough to fit the lyrics on’.

They apparently kick up a storm live with a raucous show, so hopefully some UK shows will be in the offing soon. They’d be ideal touring with the likes of Robert Jon & the Wreck or Black Stone Cherry. Until then we can all enjoy this assured, kick ass slab of southern rock. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)