Album Review: Scott Law Reunion Band

Scott Law Reunion Band (Self-Released)

[BLUES ROCK] Scott Law is infamous in Portland for his ripping, old-school blues and honky-tonk guitar work and manic stage energy, which, naturally, means he's a singular live act. So it only makes sense that Law and his Reunion Band's latest EP is a live set recorded at his unofficial home base, Southeast pub the Goodfoot. What doesn't make sense is how subdued Law and company sound on the recording. The songs seem to have been recorded with an album-ready mentality, so when Law or keyboardist Asher Fulero start to let it rip, it's all the more disappointing when they're cut off for time. The strongest tracks are the two originals, but momentum's lost on the subdued cover of the Rolling Stones' "Factory Girl" and on traditional pieces that dominate the running time. For those who have never seen Law's live show, the record is a good introduction. But for anyone who has heard the man shred in person, this isn't representative of that experience.

SEE IT: Scott Law Reunion Band plays Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., on Thursday, Dec. 6. 9 pm. $10 advance, $12 day of show. 21 .

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