Review: Michael Rudolph Cummings ‘Money’ EP
I know this is a review for Michael Rudolph Cummings new EP Money, but we’re going to talk about Aaron Wall of Red Beard Wall for a minute. I was wearing a Red Beard Wall hat the first time I saw and met Michael Rudolph Cummings a few years back. The first thing he said to me was ‘Hey, Aaron is awesome. I love Read Beard Wall’. Aaron makes powerful music and is a great guy who leaves a lasting impression. So much so that it sparked a new friendship.
Very much like Aaron, Cummings also creates amazing and meaningful music as well as being one of the coolest people. Each song he writes is carefully crafted and packed with emotion. His previous solo album, You Know How I Get, is a prime example with songs like Cellar Times, 62 Westbound or a personal favorite Goblina. These songs tap into the emotional acoustic side of grunge that I am drawn to.
Cummings recently released four new tracks on his new EP Money, which continues his tried and tested approach. The opener implements his songwriting style with an emotionally charged acoustic riff backing the powerful lyrics such as ‘I don’t do interviews’, ‘I only play for money’ and ‘I don’t give a fuck about the fans’ …Wait a minute this doesn’t seem right. Mike loves his fans! Right? Right!?! Of course he does and that’s what makes this song so great. It’s the polar opposite of everything Cummings is and hilarious to listen to.
‘…and the hardest thing for me to give away is my belief’, there’s the lyrics I’m used to hearing. Deny The World begins with those powerful words and the all acoustic track has a catchy riff carrying the song along. His commanding vocals grab your attention as you hang onto every word. The acoustic cut is one of two that make up the core of the EP while surrounded by strong bookends. Easier To Leave is the second acoustic song and while both are serene, Easier To Leave seems more mellow. Something to put on and unwind to after a stressful day.
His commanding vocals grab your attention as you hang onto every word…
I mentioned earlier about this EP reminding me of the acoustic grunge days and these songs are what I was referencing. Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell have some outstanding meaningful acoustic songs that I have been fortunate to experience live and Michael Rudolph Cummings belongs on that list.
The final track begins with an acoustic riff but quickly resolves with a full band. Denver comes in strong to close the EP and not only sonically. Dale Crover (Melvins) fills in on drums while Mlny Parsonz (Royal Thunder) provides bass creating quite a ‘supergroup’. It’s a darker track that taps into the Townes Van Zandt era and as Denver comes to an end, it’s as if you shut the back cover of a great book. Although short, on the one hand, the EP feels complete, while on the other, it puts you on a little cliffhanger by giving the listener a taste of what these incredible musicians can do together and leave you wanting more.
Label: Independent
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Josh Schneider
