GA-20 Deliver First Ever Live Album With Rollicking ‘Live In Loveland’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

The retro-rocking, Boston-based, GA-20 deliver their first-ever live LP on Colemine Records as the group captured this set in front of a vibrant crowd in Loveland, Ohio. The album was recorded direct-to-tape on a vintage Tascam 388 at Plaid Room Records in Loveland home of Colemine The energy is palpable as the band cruises through eleven tight songs, a mix of originals and covers, for the satisfying Live in Loveland

The trio of Matthew Stubbs, guitar, Pat Faherty, lead vocals, guitar, and Tim Carman, drums commit to their throwback sound by playing with vintage gear and by recording this live album direct-to-tape, on a Tascam 388. The album (produced by Stubbs and engineered by Terry Cole) has a loud, booming feel throughout, reminiscent of classic blues and rock albums of the late 50s and early 60s. 

That is exactly where GA-20 gathers its inspiration. The band opens the record with a loud cover of Harold Burrages’ “I Cry For You” which slams, while the groove of Little Walter’s “My Baby’s Sweeter” is at odds with its frantic guitar soloing. Things coalesce much better for the great guitar rock of “Lonely Soul” which contains wild breaks, yelps, and a splash of the blues. 

The group dip into Country a touch for one of the highlight tracks here, “Dry Run” which contains killer singing, affecting lyrics, and a loping sense of disappointment. The cover of the Clifton Chenier classic, “My Soul” is tame while the slow swaying of “Just Because” and “I Let Someone In” both possess classic blues touches.

The group kicks it up in clanging Black Keys-like fashion for “Hold It One More Time” while set closer, “Cracking Up” contains some of the best riffs and percussion on the album. Show encore “By My Lonesome” is a rollicking way to end the night of rock and roll.  

Live in Loveland is not a barn-burning live document of the band, but rather solidifies GA-20 as stout purveyors of retro rock in all formats.       

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