Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs performing live, showcasing their energetic rock sound
Just when you thought the summer soundtrack was locked down, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs burst onto the scene with their latest album, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits, challenging any preconceived notions of seasonal jams. For fans still feeling the void left by Tom Petty’s passing, Campbell and his band serve up a potent dose of rock and roll consolation, consistently delivering albums every couple of years. Following their well-received debut, Wreckless Abandon, in 2020 and the subsequent External Combustion in 2022, this new record marks a slight shift in the band’s lineup. While Mike Campbell remains at the helm on guitar and vocals, alongside fellow Heartbreaker alum Steve Ferrone on drums (stepping in for Matt Laug), the band welcomes Chris Holt on guitar, replacing Jason Sinay, while Lance Morrison continues to anchor the rhythm on bass.
Band dynamics can often be a delicate balance, and changes in personnel sometimes lead to shifts in a band’s overall sound. However, with Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits, The Dirty Knobs maintain their signature tone and energy. It’s hard to ignore the echoes of Tom Petty’s sound in their music, and perhaps that’s because Campbell was such an integral part of the Heartbreakers’ musical identity. His songwriting and guitar work were foundational to their sound, so it’s natural that his solo work carries that familiar essence. Much like Keith Richards’ solo albums inherently sound “Stonesy,” Campbell’s music resonates with the spirit of his former band, and for many, that’s a welcome and comforting familiarity.
The sonic landscape of Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits feels subtly refined, with a slightly lighter touch compared to their previous albums. Campbell masterfully layers acoustic and electric guitars, creating a rich and dynamic texture. In a genre where lead guitarists branching out solo often results in guitar-heavy albums dominated by riffs and solos, Campbell takes a different approach. Unlike albums that prioritize guitar pyrotechnics, Campbell’s songwriting philosophy leans more towards crafting complete, melodic rock and roll songs, where guitar solos serve as a tasteful enhancement rather than the main focus. This approach is reminiscent of Petty’s songwriting style, emphasizing well-rounded songs over instrumental excess. There’s a raw, elemental quality to The Dirty Knobs’ music. It’s a direct, no-frills rock and roll assault built on vocals, two guitars, bass, and drums. In today’s musical landscape, this fundamental rock sound almost feels like a form of “roots music,” a testament to its enduring appeal and perhaps a sign of its relative scarcity. We could certainly use more bands delivering this brand of authentic, heartland rock. The Dirty Knobs aren’t just rocking; they’re rollin dirty, in the best possible way, delivering music that’s both grounded and exhilarating.
This album is packed with highlights. The first single, “Dare To Dream,” has already garnered praise, and rightfully so, especially with the added touch of Graham Nash’s signature harmonies. Like their previous album External Combustion, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits features notable guest appearances that elevate the listening experience. Lucinda Williams lends her distinctive voice to “Hell Or High Water,” a beautiful acoustic ballad with a country-tinged feel, creating a captivating duet with Campbell. Their voices blend seamlessly, evoking a similar magic to pairings like Norah Jones and Keith Richards. Chris Stapleton, a prominent figure in contemporary country music, joins the band for “Don’t Wait Up,” another standout track. Adding to the Heartbreakers connection, Benmont Tench contributes his keyboard talents to this song. “Don’t Wait Up” opens with a poignant guitar riff that immediately grabs attention before launching into a high-energy rock and roll groove, showcasing impressive guitar work and Tench’s signature boogie-woogie piano flourishes.
However, the album’s strength isn’t solely reliant on guest appearances. Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits is brimming with strong original material. “Angel Of Mercy” is a prime example of a rollin dirty song, a driving rocker that perfectly balances acoustic and electric guitars, propelled by a captivating rhythm and punctuated by a stellar guitar solo. “So Alive” is described as an “old school Heartbreakers rocker,” embodying the classic, energetic sound that fans have come to love. “Shake These Blues” is a blues-infused rocker that wouldn’t feel out of place on Tom Petty’s Mojo, highlighting the band’s guitar prowess. “Innocent Man” offers a jangly, Byrds-esque rock vibe, showcasing the band’s versatility.
“Hands Are Tied” takes a turn towards atmospheric balladry, complete with haunting guitar textures. Campbell’s vocals, undeniably reminiscent of Petty, add to the nostalgic and familiar feel. A personal highlight, “My Old Friends,” stands out as a quintessential track. While thematically centered around bidding farewell to drinking, the song injects humor into the subject matter, name-dropping a wide array of liquors, from Budweiser to Brandy Alexanders. Campbell’s witty songwriting shines through, making the song both relatable and entertaining, particularly for those who can identify with the sentiment of “misspent youth.”
The album opener, “The Greatest,” with its added crowd noise, feels like an ode to the fans, though perhaps its placement might be better suited as a closing track or encore piece. The album concludes with “Amanda Lynn,” a brief instrumental piece featuring what sounds like a mandolin. If there’s a minor critique, it’s that excluding the intro and outro tracks, the album features nine songs, which might feel slightly concise. Nevertheless, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits is a consistently enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs are on a roll, solidifying their place in the contemporary rock scene. This album is highly recommended – crank it up! Alongside releases from Slash and The Black Crowes, it promises to be a rock-filled summer. Get ready to experience the rollin dirty song energy of The Dirty Knobs and add Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits to your collection.
Cheers!
