SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THROTTLE BODY M/C – ALL THAT WAS

THROTTLE BODY M/C
ALL THAT WAS
GREEN MONKEY RECORDS

Throttle Body M/C is really a project for Jerry Hammack, a well-known engineer, producer, writer, and musician. Hammack played all the instruments, produced, wrote, and engineered the album, so it really is his project. He has been making music under the Throttle Body M/C name since 1990, and over the years has released consistently great albums. All That Was is no exception. This is a hard-edged rock album, bordering at times on grunge, but never losing sight of a strong melody and inviting rock. Hammock is heavy with bass and drums to create a driving rhythm section while adding on tasteful guitar solos and sounds. It is not a wall of sound, per se, but it is, at times, a torrent of guitars.

Lyrically, the album is personal and political. Some may argue that there is no difference between the two, but for All That Was, Hammack is taking time to explore the losses and gains of relationships, which includes relationships between nations. It is no surprise that the album opens with “Goodbye,” a wave of guitars with a long intro before Hammack sets into a goodbye, with the listener not really knowing, for sure, if it is an individual or something bigger. Whoever he is directing the song to, it certainly sets the stage for the remainder of the album.

Not every track is hard driving, he does slow it down a bit and demonstrates his talent with the keyboard in a song such as “When to Set to See.” This is the tender and emotional side of Hammack, although the entire album is very emotional, even if that emotion is anger. But throughout the entire album, he consistently comes up with interesting and intriguing songs both lyrically and musically. It also gives him opportunities to show off his strong vocals.

Hammack certainly has a handle on the history of rock ‘n’ roll. It is evident in his writing, playing and subject matter. He is not retro or a throwback, but he does tap into his knowledge to help him create some hard driving, well written and extremely well produced rock ‘n’ roll. All That Was is an excellent album that holds together as an album and is best enjoyed in one sitting. Hammack has delivered a strong, solid and loud album.

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