Deep Sombreros
¿Quien Es el Pinche Hombre? (Southern Love)
The Deep Sombreros are the kind of band you go to if you’re throwing a house party and don’t want to violate the noise ordinance. Their pick-up blend of Old Country folk and New World irony is some of the most playful and danceable acoustic music in Austin. You’ll have more trouble from your friends drunkenly singing along to the gospel hoedown “Breakin’ Rocks for Jesus,” in which guitarist/vocalist Peter Miles Grant thanks the Lord for “The Man” with tongue firmly lodged in cheek. Another sure-fire crowd-pleaser is “Action,” a raucous Gypsy-style rag hilariously punctuated midway by an out-of-place funk interlude. Sax player Allyson Lipkin provides a compelling counterpart when she takes her turn at chanteuse on lazy, slinky blues ballads like “Jaded Lady” and “Too Much, Too Soon.” And before you dismiss the Deep Sombreros as all fun and games, check out Iian Grant’s fancy Flamenco-style fretwork on “Van Ton.” Although ¿Quien Es el Pinche Hombre? was recorded in several locations, the 15 songs are united by a friendly, on-the-porch aural veneer that goes great with both domestic and imported beers. Party planners take note: This may be the most fun you can have this summer without risking the eternal ire of your neighbors.
This article appears in June 30 • 2000.
