BODEANS

American Made

[Free & Alive]

BoDeans’ latest is the first album in the band’s nearly three-decade career without co-founder Sammy Llanas, who departed abruptly last year. Remaining original member Kurt Neumann here joins longtime keyboardist Michael Ramos and a few fresh faces to deliver a nonetheless familiar set of heartland rock. Neumann’s husky timbre, workingman’s tales and rootsy hooks have always suggested a Midwestern Springsteen, a connection made explicit on American Made with a cover of the Boss’ “I’m on Fire.” Some of the originals could use a little more fire—midtempo tracks like “All the World” and “All Over Me” simmer more than ignite. Far more engaging are “Chemical,” Neumann’s searing portrait of an addict’s life, as well as the bittersweet “Everything You Wanted” and the rousing “American.” Ramos’ accordion and newcomer Warren Hood’s fiddle inject “Flyaway” and “Walk Thru This World” with an appealing Celtic flavor and fuel the spirited closer, “Shake the Fever.” –Michael Berick