TRUE WEST "Drifters" 1984

It's just one fastball down the middle after another.True West may have been part of California's psychedelic underground, but the Davis quintet definitely had a sound and style all its own. Drawing inspiration from Syd Barrett (the band's first release was a single of his "Lucifer Sam," reprised on the EP) and Roky Erickson, they played a frenetic, dense drone with crazed guitars and dramatic vocals.
Drummer Jozef Becker left to rejoin Thin White Rope; True West recorded the Drifters album with his not-so-good replacement. The nine new songs (reprising "And Then the Rain" from the French LP) showcase Gavin Blair's vocals as much as Tolman's inventive, original guitar work. A strikingly good record that escapes the strictures of neo-psychedelia by incorporating folk-rock ambience, Drifters retains just enough raw-edged aggression to keep things from getting unacceptably melodious. "Look Around" is the clear standout, but other numbers — "Shot You Down" and "Hold On," for instance — also marry engaging sound and arrangements to solid songwriting. from trouserpressTrue West:
Gavin Blair: Vocals / Russ Tolman: Guitar / Richard McGrath: Guitar / Kevin Staydohar: Bass, Backing Vocals / Steve Packenham: Drums, Backing Vocals / with Guests - Chris Cacavas: Organ, Piano / Sid Griffin: Backing Vocals / Stephen McCarthy: Backing Vocals / Joan Carroll: Backing Vocals / Paul Mandl: Backing Vocals

traxfromwax:
1 Look Around 2 At Night They Speak 3 Speak Easy 4 Shot You Down 5 What About You 6 Hold On 7 And Then The Rain 8 Backroad Bridge Song (What Could I Say) 9 Ain't No Hangman 10 Morning Light