Dixie Witch Albums (3)
'Smoke and Mirrors'
Release Date 4/11/2006
Tracks 11
Label Small Stone
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
If nothing else, the three-year interval between Dixie Witch's second and third albums declared their shared core philosophy as that of a touring -- not a studio -- band, and anyone who has witnessed the Texan trio's tee-total live performances is likely to forgive the long wait for new material for that very reason. However, for those not yet so fortunate, 2006's Smoke and Mirrors is notable for providing a closer approximation of that experience than either of its shiny round plastic predecessors. The hard-charging triple threat of "Set the Speed," "Shoot the Moon," and "S.O.L." opens the album much like they would one of the band's concerts: with the in-your-face, ear-ringing charge of guitarist Clayton Mills (distinctly more at ease showing off his flashy chops than most retro-rock axemen) and soulful growl of vocalist Trinidad Leal (always charismatic despite pounding the skins in back), while also resolving most any translation loss from real to reel. Thus, by the time Dixie Witch retract their claws in order to groove more relaxed and reflectively across "Ballinger Cross," and recycle the Black Crowes' "Seven Seas" for the still very likable "Out in the Cold," the ideal in-concert pacing is well and truly established. Unfortunately, the neither-here-nor-there indecision of a forgettable tandem ("Getaway" and "Bridges") finally blows the band's impressive head of steam so far, but the recurrence of several additional standouts (including the slide guitar-enhanced "What You Want" and the absolutely stunning ten-minute dreamlike instrumental sendoff "Last Call") recovers the impetus with enough time to deliver Smoke and Mirrors to a suitably rousing finale. Hope you enjoyed the show, so long, good night, and careful driving home, folks! ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
'One Bird, Two Stones'
Release Date 6/22/2003
Tracks 10
Label Small Stone
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Unlike most of its hard-rockin' new millennium counterparts, Texas trio Dixie Witch rarely explodes into manic spells of stoner rock head-banging, but rather tends to lay back and coast along laid-back highways paved by Southern rock grooves. The piss-poor production values aside, there's much to love in the band's second album, One Bird, Two Stones, which features a wealth of inspired head-nodding anthems like "Drifting Lady," "Makes Me Crazy," and especially the Skynyrd-esque "The Wheel." Singing drummer Trinidad Leal employs a convincing Dave Wyndorf-styled moan 'n' yowl technique on both the unusually hard-driving "Turbo Wing" and the more typical stride of "On My Way," while the standout "More of a Woman" simply flips the guitar riff from Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" inside out. And to wrap things up with a flourish, lengthy, lazy closer "Traveler" offers an admirable tour de force by guitarist Clayton Mills, including electric, slide, and acoustic work. With so much strong material weighing in the album's favor, it's really a pity having to deal with such a frustratingly muddy sound mix, but then perhaps this is as Dixie Witch intended. Whatever the case, most lovers of gritty and honest Southern rock are likely to forgive these technical issues in order to see through to the great tunes below. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
