Cowboys International
The Backwards Life Of Romeo

Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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  With the advent of Cowboys International stunning 1979 Original Sin remastered (with bonus tracks) and re-released in 2003 as Revisited, the band decided to go back into the studio with fresh new ideas and inspirations that resulted in The Backwards Life of Romeo.

Ken Lockie, the brilliantly multi-talented leader of the band (vocals, plays harmonica, guitar, keyboards, midi drums, synthesis, FX, bass) finds some reflective pensive lyrics to apply to the airy and pop infused electronic sounds of the Cowboys International repertoire.

From the lyrical standpoint their sound is very 80's with a modern twist. I asked Lockie about the title and what it meant and he commented that "The Backwards Life of Romeo" is a track built around the sound of a truck backing up, a beeping tone that persists throughout the song.  It is all about going backwards and reversal. Lockie did not connect with the Romeo legend until an Alfa Romeo cut him off on the highway one day... it gets more complex as the song develops. Another forceful emotional outing is the dark and brooding "Silent Sky," which is a requiem for 9/11. Most of all, I enjoyed the hooks and irresistible melodies of "Angelina," which seems like it would be a good choice for single.

Even though their sound is a throw back to another decade, which is fine with me, it's the lyrics that hit home with unfailing impact, and that is just as important as the music.

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