5 stars out of 5
by Charlie Anderson
I’ve always pictured The Yawpers as a band to be seen on the road, happening upon them by chance in a small-town dive bar while vagabonding through the West. Their sound adds continuously to the definition of American rock n’ roll, something gritty, greasy and raw. American Man, The Yawpers’ debut release with Bloodshot Records, is no different. The album stops for nothing, a full-out sprint through a sweaty, Fear and Loathing landscape of desert, dirty blues and patriotism. The swagger of frontman Nate Cook is justified, making even the most poised of humans lose themselves in a punkish fervor, with snarled lips and primal tendencies. Perhaps most impressive is The Yawpers’ consistent ability to carry the incredible energy of the live show to the studio. For a lack of words, this shit is good. It’s safe to say their November sold-out show at Hodi’s ranked among the year’s very best.