Nick Curran & the Lowlifes

Reform School Girl (Eclecto Groove)

Out of what could have been a load of retro-posturing, Nick Curran instead created an authentic work of musical prowess befitting his wild ride of a career. His years playing in such Lone Star powerhouse outfits as Ronnie Dawson, Kim Lenz & the Jaguars, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds have given the East Coast-born guitarist that definitive Texas blues-rock edge, but it’s his recent inclusion on the soundtrack of HBO’s True Blood that gives Curran nouveau street cred in spades. With guests including the Blasters’ Phil Alvin (“Flyin’ Blind”) and the bandleader’s penchant for using vintage recording equipment, such songs as “Baby You Crazy,” “Tough Lover,” and “The Lowlife” spew red-hot licks and leering, sneering attitude to burn. Reform School Girl is also the first killer party record of 2010, homage to the old-school style of sticking a disc in the player and letting it roll all night long.

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This article appears in February 26 • 2010.

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