Take a look at that picture.  Recognize any familiar faces?  For those rock fans of the past 25 or so years should recognize the dude on the far right, and some of you may recognize the guy second from the right from the grunge era.  But if not, those two are Duff McKagan (far right), ex-bassist of Guns N Roses, and Barrett Martin, drummer from Screaming Trees.  In 2012 these guys teamed up with two other Seattle-ites in guitarist/vocalist Jeff Angell and keyboardist Benjamin Anderson to form Walking Papers and released an outstanding eleven song disc filled with atmospheric, bluesy rock.  Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready adds to the A list level of players here but dropping in some lead guitar work on a couple of cuts.

It is rare these days that I like every cut on an album, but Walking Papers is chock full of goodness throughout.  Each song has its own vibe and spirit, all being fairly unique and bringing something totally new to the table.  For example, intro cut “Already Dead” feels a bit like a late night chill tune led by a simple yet haunting guitar figure and slight jazz shuffle on the drums over which vocalist Angell produces a fantastic, laid back vocal.  Next cut “The Whole World’s Watching” amps things up considerably with a blues fervor, guitars loud and crunchy, solid drumwork, and raspy, soulful vocal.

Other strong rock cuts on this disc include “Two Tickets”, propelled by Martin’s drumwork and a semi-sludgy riff over which Angell paints a lyrical picture via an awesome lower range vocal; “Red Envelopes”, which kicks things up a little more with a shuffling rock riff topped off with brief horn blasts; and “You’re Secret’s Safe With Me” and its haunting, psychedelic grooves and cool bell like tones courtesy of Martin’s vibraphone.

However, where this disc really shines are the non-rockers-  take “The Butcher”, a keyboard only tune with hints of Martin’s vibes that features a great lyric from Angell about an escaped convict eventually meeting his fate.  Or the marimbas, trumpet, and echoed guitar that highlight the awesome “A Place Like This”, a bit of a ghost tale likely set in a saloon in Mexico.  Last but not least, “Leave Me In The Dark” hints at Joshua Tree era U2 with its ringing guitars and gradually escalating tempo.

Although the band as a whole is fantastic, the stars of the show on this disc are Angell and Martin.  Angell does a great job selling each cut, vocally keeping things to a lower range rasp and not overcooking anything when he stretches into higher territory.  As a guitarist he does great job as well, offering up solid Les Paul tones whether they be heavier riffs or softer finger picked patterns.  As for Martin…  sheesh, this guy is a monster-  one minute kicking out a percolating shuffle, next minute a stomping Zep backbeat, followed by more tribal patterns.  And those vibes and marimbas REALLY add a lot to the songs where they are featured.  A seriously underrated talent.

Rumor has it that Walking Papers is working on another disc but in the meantime, track this one down and enjoy!