Review of "Brown Cane Toad"

Woodbox Gang have released their first album in 13 years, "Brown Cane Toad". What triggered them to pull themselves out of retirement? Apparently, they felt an urge to make some new music because there's new things going on in the world. And, it's not for the better. The album cover is telling: a brown cane toad pushing a bitcoin in a back slope. You don't see that every day. If the album cover is allegorical, then the lyrics are literal. They mean every word the say. This manifests itself in a satirical take on contemporary economic, social and political issues. A dirty word and some explicit content here and there only reinforces the messsage. The lyrics are deeply rooted in trashcan Americana and caustic acoustic cacophony. Be that as it may, the soundscape on the album is rich and detailed and very well-sounding. "Brown Cane Toad" is an all-acoustic album including a washboard (upgraded with a paint brush cleaner to achieve a softer sound), dobro, acoustic guitar, upright bass, mandolin and banjo. As a mark of quality in the production, you can hear every instrument clear. The thing that strikes me most is the attitude, energy and vitality. In March 2025 it's going to be 25 years since the Woodbox Gang played their first show together at the Yellow Moon Cafe in Cobden, IL. Apparently, WBG is unbowen, unbent and unbroken. Best songs are "Nostradamus", "Hank and Waldo", "God Either", "Make Money", "Claudia and Elsie" and "Final Hours". You can listen to "Brown Cane Toad" and buy it in digital format at Bandcamp, just click here (opens in a new window). Physical copies are available through Etsy. You know what to do.