Martin Zellar & The Hardways - Roosters Crow (2012)

Martin Zellar's Roosters Crow - yeah, the 2012 one, not some lost '90s bootleg - hits different if you're into that rootsy, lived-in rock sound. You know, the kind where the singer sounds like he's seen a few late nights and still owes the bartender. Zellar's voice? It's got that worn leather quality. Not flashy, but real. Like he's talking to you over a beer, not performing. The album kicks off with "The Skies Are Always Gray" - fitting title, honestly. Sets the mood. Mid-tempo, a little melancholy, guitar twang mixed with piano that doesn't try too hard. Feels honest. "Wore Me Down" follows and it's solid. Maybe not groundbreaking, but it sticks. You'll catch yourself humming it later, which is half the battle. There's a country rock vibe throughout, but it ain't Nashville slick. More like porch music after a long week. "Seven Shades Of Blue" - clever title, bluesy without being cliché. The lyrics actually say something. Zellar's always been good with words, never too poetic or fake-deep. He keeps it conversational, like he's working through stuff out loud. "Where Did The Words Go?" - that one hit me. Anyone who's ever fought with someone they love gets it. No big chorus, no drama. Just quiet frustration in the melody and delivery. And "Running On Pure Fear"? Yeah, that's 2012... and also every year since. Song feels more relevant now than maybe it did back then. Not everything lands though. "Some Girls" - catchy enough, but kinda forgettable. Feels like filler. And "Give & Take (All The Love That You Can)" tries for uplifting but borders on cheesy. Could've used a rougher edge. Production's clean, maybe too clean. A little more grit wouldn't hurt. But then "Took The Poison" comes in - slow burn, dark, almost menacing. That's the standout. Minimal drums, moody bass, Zellar sounding tired but dangerous. Wish there was more of that energy. Overall? Roosters Crow won't change your life. But if you like heartland rock with a hangover, it's worth a listen. It's the kind of album that grows on you. First time through, okay. Second time, you notice the lyrics. Third time, you're nodding along without realizing. Funny thing - I didn't expect to play it again. But I did. Last night, raining, driving home late. Fit perfectly. That's the test, right? Not awards or hype. Just whether it fits the moment. This one does.