Davis Coen
Ill Disposition
(219)
“The streets don’t love me no more,” sings local songwriter Davis Coen on “Busker’s Blues,” the opening track of his new studio album. He specializes in performing solo with plenty of fiery licks and slide guitar work and occasional harmonica. On the 13-song Ill Disposition, he nestles into a solid full-band setting (thanks mostly to solid drum work from Joe Izzo) and a more trad-R&B/blues-rock blend. Coen’s handful of covers are respectful and cool, but his own material sounds more confident than before. The peppery “Something at My Feet” and the funky “Got to Hold Out” could have could straight outta Motown, Sun Studio, or Muscle Shoals 50 years ago. Things groove on the rendition of Allan Toussaint’s “Yes We Can Can.” The harp sounds hot on the swingin’ original “Good Conversation,” too. (www.219records.com). —T. Ballard Lesemann
Davis Coen’s “CD Release” is on Wed. May 30 at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ.
Overstood
Overstood
(independent)
If the Charleston music scene has a signature sound, Overstood represent it well. Following in the footsteps of Uncle Mingo, Hootie, and the Blue Dogs, their self-titled debut continues the Lowcountry tradition of simple acoustic funk/rock. Local music stalwart Charlie Thompson formed the band with sons Cortie and Matt, and the family cohesiveness is evident. Daddy Thompson shows off well on the album, holding down J.J. Cale-esque licks on “Another Thing Comin'” and opening “One and Done” with an impressive display of slide-work. They wear their influences on their sleeves, though. The rap in “Kitty Litter” sounds like a direct take on Jack Johnson’s “Rodeo Clowns,” and covering a full verse of “Get Up, Stand Up” on their track “War” works in a live show, but seems odd here. Overstood’s songs are hardly exploratory, but their groovable originals and positive lyrics put them light years ahead of many in Charleston. (www.overstood.net). —Stratton Lawrence
Overstood perform at the Silver Dollar on Thurs. May 31 and at Johnson’s Pub on Fri. June 1.
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