From the opening notes of “Heartland” from Coyote Kolb’s, 2010 debut, “Massachusett” lead singer Chadley Kolb’s Gretsch Duo Jet made it clear that CK’s Y chromosome is in the blues. Not twelve bar blues or British invasion blues but slow stewed, Robert Johnson, Mississippi Delta blues. Harmonica player, Sonny Jim’s riffs over the time changes added to the retro feel.
“Rubedo” with bassist Owen Beane pounding out the ‘Rawhide” sounding bass line added a traditional country feel to the mix. Whether it was the initially spotty mix, the unusually cold Tuesday night, or the opening slot (for White Buffalo); CK’s set began in fits and starts. The slowly filling hall seemed more concerned with catching up on conversation then the four guys playing music. (Keeping with the inexplicable modern trend of going to concerts to talk as opposed to listen.)
Both Kolb and the band finally began to find their footing with “Big Brother Blues” off their 2012 release “United State”. With the lyric, “Got the microchip/underneath your skin/they gonna know where you are/and know where you been” Edwin Snowden’s leaks didn’t come as any news to them.
Despite a bare stage and minimal rig set up as far as amps and drum kit Coyote’s members look the part of outlaw rockers. Both visually and vocally Chadley Kolb is eerily similar to a Layne Staley reincarnation in a Boston alt-country band. Both Kolb and Bean wore jeans and sleeveless t’s revealing intricate tattoo sleeves. The bearded, long haired Sonny Jim in his button down and bowler looked the hipster. Drummer Matty Maybruck spent the night hidden behind the kit with shorter hair and less tattoos looked the cleanest cut.
The improvement in sound and consistency was not exactly by coincidence as half way through the set Sony Jim had moved from harmonica to slide guitar solidifying the band’s overall vibe. “Albedo” also off the 2012 release showed the band in full form with dynamic vocal and musical arrangements over simple country/blues guitar and bass lines. As a measure of the band’s true capabilities the now nearly full room was offering its undivided attention.
Drummer Maybruck’s playing is so solid the percussion seems almost an afterthought which is in a way the ultimate compliment. While Beane and Kolb harmonize occasionally the vocals are another instrument as opposed to a centerpiece of the band’s overall sound. While not a “jamband” per se the band does use the live show to extend and improvise on the original recordings.
The set closed with “Right to Rule” and “Who Isn’t You”. The latter with a repeating 1970’s, R & B, soul-sounding chorus over a slow burn groove. The band’s self described sound is roots rock while others apply the label du jour Americana; both definitions are misnomers. Coyote Kolb plays their own brand of original, mesmerizing outlaw country blues, eschewing traditional blues progressions for subtle, syncopated rhythms underneath country honk slide guitar and harmonica. With their unique sound and original tunes CK may soon go from “Boston band” to another big act from Boston.
