CAL PECK AND THE TRAMPS "Self Titled' CD OTH 7127

About the Album:

Hard guitar and high-toned harmonica. Power and passion. Worn-down weariness and outsider optimism. Old-school chops and right-now energy. Cal Peck and the Tramps.

The Tramps have been a crucial and constant part of the Perth live music scene for a good long while now, but it’d be disingenuous to try and say that their new LP, “Cal Peck and the Tramps”, hasn’t been a long time coming. Happily, in this instance, the anticipation does not exceed the actual event; the wait has been worth it.

Under the watchful eye of producer Andy Lawson, the Tramps have laid down fourteen sort, sharp, shoot-from-the-hip tracks that distil their audacious live sound into a rock solid album. The standout songs? It’s hard to say. “Leave Me Be” sounds like a thesis on theatrical heartbreak, but it’s matched by the band’s strident cover of Joe Neal’s “Don’t Quit Me Baby.” Just when you’re caught in the mistaken notion that the album is all mid-tempo malaise and heartache, along comes “Bump D’Bump” to pick things up. And, of course, perennial favourite “Cinnamon” gets a look-in, and it’s never sounded better.

The secret’s in the mix. Cal and company know that there’s no joy without sadness, and vice versa; there’s no rock without regret, no swagger without sorrow. It’s their understanding of that strange emotional alchemy that makes them a great band, and this a great album.

And even if that doesn’t grab you, it’s got a beat and you can dance to it.

Sometimes that’s enough.

About the Band:

It’s garage rock. It’s hard edge guitar and howling harmonica. Its teenage yearning wrapped in an old blues man’s weary cynicism,

and shot through with a rock and roll rhythm that won’t quit. It’s Cal Peck & the Tramps, a four piece outfit whose musical ethos is built around the notion that feeling bad and sounding good aren’t mutually exclusive.

Formed in 2008, The Tramps - frontman Callum Peck, bassist Byron Robertson, Drummer James “Bangers” McKay and harmonica player Dave Benck - have developed an indelible musical identity that draws on a range of disparate influences and fuses them into something wholly unique. Combining the youthful, rebellious anger of ‘60s garage rock, the damned-if-you-do. hard rain worldliness of delta blues, and the electrifying strut of ‘50s rock and roll, Peck and company deliver home truths and hot tunes in way that is direct, accessible, honest, and unforgettable.

Cementing their reputation early on with the six track demo they recorded with Andy Lawson of Debaser Studios, which included the wildly popular song “Cinnamon.” “Cinnamon” subsequently became the title track of their debut EP, recorded at Cellar Sessions Studio and nationally released through Firestarter Music in August 2009. 2010 saw the release of their second EP, “Kill For You,” with the track “Isn’t Hard to See” receiving national airplay. In 2011, the band release the double a side “Break Out” on their own label, Hurricane Records. Again, this has received nation-wide radio play, as well as heavy support from RTR fm in Perth.

Throughout this period, Cal Peck & The Tramps have honed their live show, earning a reputation as one of the best live acts in the Perth scene, fulfilling residencies at Devilles Pad, Mustang Bar and The Newport Hotel and appearing at events such as The Beaufort St Festival, Northbridge Festival, Blues at Bridgetown, Hope From Ashes Toodjay Benefit, The One Movement showcase. In addition, The Tramps have supported such acts as Reverend Horton Heat (USA) and Heavy Trash (USA).” WAMI nomination for best blues act in 2010.

This year will see the release of The Tramps first full-length album released on renowned Australian Label Off the Hip Records, again recorded with old sparring partner Andy Lawson. Already one of the well-regarded original bands in Perth, 2013 promises to be the year in which Cal Peck punches through to the next level.