Album Review: Devolved

Rob and John are the 2 Merry Men and have been performing for quite a few years now; sometimes solo sometimes together as you see here. For me I know them from their shows at the Polish Pub at TRF where we routinely get to terrorize their Cabana Saucy. Not the usual fair we offer on the show; but they do perform a few traditional sailing songs so they are thus eligible to be on the show.

A reminder on how we do reviews on the show. I write my thoughts here as I listen to the album; in a sense what you’re reading is a stream of thought from yours truly. I am in no way qualified to give my opinion but as the Proprietor of the Inn I do feel duty bound to do reviews of the bands, for the bands and for our listeners as well. I also don’t appear to have a set way in how I do these reviews so expect track name, thoughts, and a score. At the end the scores are averaged to get the overall rating.

Itches In Me Britches: We begin the album with what you could call a “traditional bawdy song”. John and Rob have weaved into some of their own magic and verse into their version. It’s a fine piece but almost safe for them it feels like. A song you can sing with children in the audience who don’t ask too many questions. 3

Maggie May: As we mentioned, 2 Merry Men do a few traditional sailing songs. The surprising part of this song is the number of different instruments on this number, as it’s always just the Men in person. The addition of what I think is a mandolin is an interesting touch, as well as maybe a harpsichord? Interesting instrumental choices, but doesn’t rewrite the book. 3

Rowan O’Reilly: Now this is the type of songs we are more used to hearing from 2 Merry Men.  It has that traditional song feel as it tells a bawdy story throughout the song. That nursery rhyme feel to it if ya follow my drift, akin to Rattlin Bog style songs if that makes sense. Back to the lyrics and song itself, superb, wouldn’t mind meeting a Rowan O’Reilly if you know what I mean and I think you do. 4

The Ballad of 1514: Now I know some of our listeners are big fans of this song so I’m curious to listen to. A great deal like Rowan in the sense of this is much more like the Men. It too has that story style feel as Rowan but this time it’s a drinking song. There are some great lyrics in this, we’ll drink in places where the Irish wouldn’t go? Brilliant. 4

Pour Me a Whiskey, Richard: This is a song previously released under Rob’s Menage a Moi Raise a Toast album; here given the extra flair with instrumentation. We have the harmonies going on which have both involved, the guitar is just very deep sound here. It’s a bit of a disconnect since it’s so much lower than Rob’s, and I think I get what they’re going for I’m just not sure it works as well as planned. 3

All For Our Grog: Now I’m gonna feel a bit sad, this may be the last recorded song of Iris & Rose together. It takes their version of Grog and mixes it with 2 Merry Men, hence the Our portion of the song title. There’s a fun juxtaposition going on back and forth between the two groups, lyrics and harmonies. Much like Whiskey, I’m not sure the instrumentation works as well as planned. It’s a bit overpowering in points and not sure it adds anything to the song. 3

Mingulay Boat Song: Many folks think that this number is a traditional song but it actually was written back in the 1930s. The Men do an excellent job on their harmonies during the chorus, it’s the start of the song. It’s a different take with the various instruments which helps take it from what folks usually from this song. It may feel like a broken record, but the end of the song shines when half the background music is cut as we really get a focus on them. 3

Is That A Ball Gag Beneath Your Face Mask: I think this is the first song we’ve had during the pandemic that ties directly into the events of the day and as some would say, girl I am here for it. We get back to the style of song they do are so masterful at. Now, along with the Face Mask portion, the other verses in the song are also timely. They may be inside jokes, but they work not knowing the jokes so it doesn’t matter. 5

50 Shades: Another previous release from Rob, this just happens to be one of my more favorite songs of his so I’m curious to hear what has been done to it. Folks, if you don’t know musicals or this specific one you may not know where I am going, but did Judas arrange this? I have such a Jesus Christ Superstar feel to the arrangement that I’m just vibing as the kids say. 5

Never Trust Tequila: The last of the previous released, the song affectionately called Saucy’s Song. I do say, I think this is being accompanied by an accordion and somehow it is working. It’s one of those songs that have a great audience reaction when it’s sung as all who are they will respond to something in this song. 4

The “Definitive” Moose Song: Now, a part of me wonder how they snuck this past Saucy to get on the album but she can’t be around at all times. Then again, you can’t pull out the Moose board if folks don’t know if you sing the song so raise that money. Now in person Moose can take a varying amount of time depending on the…setting. The great thing about this version is it doesn’t dilly dally, it gets to business and lays it all out there. 3

Have Yourself a Naughty Kinky Christmas: By the title alone I think this will be one of my favorite Christmas songs. Folks, it is. The piano is especially a nice touch. It brings that traditional holiday feel to the song and make the whips and chains feel at home, out in the open, in the fifties. You hear about saving the best for last? They did. 5

Now I may have spoiled myself before listening to this album by seeing them perform live and hearing the it’s a real album with instruments and everything on numerous occasions. Yes, there is definitely that but at times it reminded me of the old adage, less is more. A few of the songs just have a bit too much going on, but when they don’t the album soars. There are songs on this album they know just what works and it is exceptional. It does a great job showing what they are like as a group and I think in the end I just wanted more of that. Not saying this is bad in any sense of the word, there are no clunkers and they are all good songs. The best way I could describe it is in the old record way, Side B is much stronger than Side A.