Album Review: The Holy Gamblers, Back Out On The Strip

Toronto has been a haven for country roots music for decades with Ted's Wrecking Yard, the Dakota Tavern and of course the Horseshoe being homes to nurture artists along. The quartet of Tyrell William Lisson, Duncan Alistair, Warren Reid and Justin Peterson - collectively known as The Holy Gamblers - hope to continue that tradition with their debut EP.

The EP, which was inspired over some sessions during the pandemic, was out on Canada Day and hence makes "Canada Song" quite apt. It's a road map of places, beers and good times that sounds as if it fell off a Golden Smog album. Plenty of influences like the Stones and Gram Parsons are heard but they put their stamp on the rollicking number. Just as sweet is the breezy "Lonely Roller" which brings to mind Wilco, Uncle Tupelo or any other Americana (er, Canadiana) band worth their salt.

The Holy Gamblers hit pay dirt again on the buzzsaw "Sometimes I Drink" which is a tidy two-minute beer-stained boogie. But unfortunately, things wrap up all too soon with a tender country gem a la the Stones' "Far Away Eyes" entitled "Bring It Home" the band nails. This group is a sure bet.

Back Out On The Strip was released July 1, 2022.
Listen to it here.