Mexico City - Lost Gospel

Fri 17th Dec, 2004 in Music Reviews

Lost Gospel is the second EP from four-piece Brisbane band Mexico City. Released on the Reverberation label, it is an enjoyable five-track foray into country, blues and the in-between.

The most enjoyable thing about this recording is that it is easy to get immersed in the atmospherics. It has an overall sombre and contemplative air, but who doesn’t enjoy that once in a while? Besides, there is enough punch in the music that it never becomes boring.

Opener Ain’t No Lie is a great fusion of country, blues and rock, and contains an impressive musical break and lively guitars.

You Weren’t Kidding begins with guitar and strains of harmonica, before meandering into a languid country tune. It really is a lovely, bittersweet song that is carried well by the vocals of Adam Toole.

When Billy Won the Big One is an excursion into edgy, bluesy rock, accented by piano. The rhythm section is more prominent on this track, and Adam’s drawl adds a nice touch.  

No Sympathy is the most up-tempo song on the recording and the furthest departure from the country-tinged blues of the previous tracks. This can mainly be attributed to the rockier and faster guitars and prominence of drums.

Salvation Army Band is akin to a country lullaby. Softly strummed guitars and the raw quality to Adam’s voice (I dig the guy’s voice, okay?!) lend it a somewhat melancholy feel, and this is accentuated by the inclusion of piano.

Overall, a stirring listen.