On their fourth (and sadly final) CD The Bourbon Knights illustrate that great live bands can put out great recordings that capture the spirit of their performances.
You can't really call performances by this Southern Illonois band "shows", not when you pack twelve (or more) folks on the stage, fueled by alcohol, talent and the energy the crowd fed to them. When they played the audience had no choice but to be involved, standing about with your arms crossed was not an option.
Luckily the band has taken that excitement and energy and infused it into the ten songs on "Krmpusnacht". Musically the Knights o' the Bourbon present a high proof mix of folk, punk, pirate, gypsy & irish music, always varied yet always cohesive. While the spirit here isn't always thunderously rollicking (check out the somber Bad Things-like "Jericho Requiem"), the overall mode is one of dancey, liquor fueled, slightly crazed FUN. Track the first, "Manner mit Barten", is a German pirate song. It's like a manifesto you can't read but have to feel. There's a dangerous party going on, you're invited... but be warned: you may not come out the same, you may even lose a few teeth or end up with a new tattoo and/or lover.
"17 Sheets", the third song found on this collection, comes across as the album's epic centerpiece. It's sounds like a gutter/gut level response to Sinatra's "It Was a Very Good Year": the year may not have been good, but the vintage was great. "17 Sheets" moves with a propulsive pace, and you're swept into it like an old drinking buddy telling you a story that leads you to both the dancefloor and the madhouse.
The band also presents their take on "Bella Ciao" which is rivaling "Long Black Veil" as the sepiachord cover of choice.
"Krampusnacht" is a damned good time, like hanging out with good friends and having a few too many drinks... you may not remember the details but you'll end up with a smile on your face.
