Intriguing, upcoming release from always reliable Ramrock Records features an enigmatic duo, TWELVE CAESARS (aka Andrew Pipe and Stephen Ennever). It’s an EP, ‘California Sleaze’ and it’s the official follow up to their acclaimed 2022 mini album, ‘Swan Fendered Mercury’.
The title track on ‘California Sleaze’ is as insistent as it is unusual. It’s a musical homage to Robert Kennedy and was inspired by the work of gospel star Mahalia Jackson. Specifically her ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’ though blues purists will also hear the influence of Blind Willie Johnson’s ‘Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed’. Sonically, though, its neither gospel nor blues. Americana? Maybe… but also think Crosby, Stills and Nash with a dose of psychedelia and contemporary country thrown in. Like we said, insistent and unusual.
Twelve Caesars: ‘California Sleaze’ EP: Release date: March 31st, 2023; Label: Ramrock Red Records. Remixes due May/June.
