Review: Dandelions and Dumpster Fires – Eugene Hooker and the Big Heavy Naturals

Review: Eugene Hooker and the Big Heavy Naturals – Dandelions and Dumpster Fires

Attitude. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I first put Eugene Hooker and the Big Heavy Naturals’s album Dandelions and Dumpster Fires on. Attitude. Eugene Hooker has the kind of voice that belongs front and center at a seedy club in the heart of the city. The first song, “Amy Jones,” really has that feel, like he’s MCing a New Year’s and it’s about to get wild.

But this album has really two sides. It has that b*lls-out rock and roll sound, but it also has songs like “Never Come Down” and “Evergreen” which are just good relaxing, almost Southern rock sounding, like spraying off with the garden hose on a hot summer day. Refreshing.

There are a lot of different styles in the songs. You actually get something if you buy the album, not just seven of the same song in different keys. There’s an actual selection, and one that makes sense when you hear it. Eugene Hooker and the Big Heavy Naturals are the kind of band I can respect as a listener, and as a musician.

“We were fortunate to have our good friend Jon E Love of LOVE/HATE to produce and mix the album.” said guitarist Neal Dill. “I think he was able to put a bit of an edge on it.”

Eugene Hooker and the Big Heavy Naturals are booked to headline the Harley Rendevous Classic in June as well as a handful of other local capital region shows. They have their fingers crossed for a late summer tour opening for their other good friends Buckcherry as well as LOVE/HATE.