Album Review: Dex Romweber Duo - Is that You in the Blue?

Veteran Chapel Hill rocker and singer-songwriter Dexter Romweber has focused most of his attention in recent years on the Dex Romweber Duo, his band with his sister Sara, and now they've released their sophomore album Is that You in the Blue?

Right out the gate, the opening song "Jungle Drums" explodes with thrashing guitars, drums and Romweber's trademark growl. The instrumental "Gurdjieff Girl" is a rip roaring surf instrumental while "Nowhere" conjures up the image of a classic black and white detective movie.

The album continues on in this fashion, pulling from a variety of musical styles, tying them all together with the band's strong since of classic rock and roll.

Unlike the band's live shows, the album expands the band's sound beyond the duo, featuring a variety of guests, including Django Haskins of The Old Ceremony on lap steel and acoustic guitar. He also co-wrote the somber tune "The Death of Me." You'll also hear organ, upright bass and even some awesome saxophone on the album amongst other instruments.

The album blast through 14 songs in just over 38 minutes, and it's an amazing listen. It feels like a trip through the history of early rock and roll, with an attitude that only Romweber can pull off. Jack White was right when he said that Romweber is "one of the best kept secrets of the rock n roll underground."

Is that You in the Blue? is out now on Bloodshot Records.