River West "Texas Remedy" by Serena B. Kundysek
	On their debut album, "Texas Remedy", River West serves up a variety of Texas country rock , straight from the heart of the Texans who clearly enjoy singing about the state they love. The band consists of Dave Collins, lead vocals and acoustic, Kale Murray, vocals, bass and acoustic, Joe Penley, vocals, lead and acoustic, John Slaughter, fiddle and mandolin and finally Ryan Ogrodowicz, drums and percussion. I refer to River West as a country rock band mainly because of the strong picking of their guitarist, Joe Penley, who grew up in Chicago, but played southern rock before he made it to Texas. Joe and Kale Murray actually met in Chicago and began playing together in a band called Dakota Rose and opened for several major country acts including Charlie Daniels. The title track, 'Texas Remedy', is first cut quality and should be enjoyed by anyone who has ever traveled this great state. The boys harmonize nicely while singing about Big Bend, Austin, San Antonio and the 'remedy' they get each time they visit one of these places. Dave Collins' lyrics will draw in any Texan who has spent time in any of these points on the map. Let's sit out under the stars out in Big Bend Walk the Riverwalk in San Antone Hit the 6th street bars down in Austin Listen to Pat Green sing our favorite songs I must admit I was surprised to hear Pat Green mentioned on this song, but then again, I completely understand and relate to the fact that Pat Green is becoming a music legend in his own time and is paving the way for bands like River West. 'Fish Spurs' is about a guy, presumably David Collins, who goes down to A & M and joins the Aggie Band. As a typical college student, he gets caught up in the "spirit" of college and ends up getting kicked out for low grades. It's a catchy tune, (if you went to A & M), but if you didn't, then you probably won't relate. But that's O.K.! This is River West's first CD, so let them write and sing about whatever makes them feel good. Maybe they'll write about "Tea-sips" on their second album! There are a few tracks on "Texas Remedy", like 'I Hope You Found It All' and 'She's Just a Sin', where River West actually takes a stab at playing traditional country, but they just don't do it with the same heart and soul with which they perform their more upbeat Texas Country. My advice to these guys is to stick to what they do best, which is play rockin' Texas Country music and forget about trying to be a traditional country band. On '82 Old Country Lane' , Collins sings about old country music legends stopping and hanging out with him. It's a rockin' little tune that sticks with you. Charlie Daniels is a friend of mine We drink beer on Saturday nights He likes his Bud right out of the can And I prefer Coors Light Hank Jr. brings his guitar by about two to three times a week We sit around and write some songs and go fishing in the creek Just a typical week in my little neighborhood Don't know why everyone complains But things are pretty good You'd think by watching T.V. that the whole worlds gone insane Me and my friends we're doing just fine on 82 Old Country Lane. "Texas Remedy" is definitely an album worth picking up and if you are ever out and about on Lower Greenville in Dallas, you may catch these guys at clubs such as the Boar's Nest, which is where I had the opportunity to see them play. This band is highly entertaining with their mixed bag of boot scootin' Texas Country, Rock and Roll and Southern Rock melodies. River West is also a great group of guys, playing music and having a great time doing it. I wish them the best of luck conquering Texas. You can buy "Texas Remedy" and find our more about River West at the band's web site, www.riverwestband.com. You can contact Serena Kundysek at serena-at-rockzilla.net

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