It would have been difficult to review
Two Beasts without some mention of
John Cougar Mellencamp. First,
the Why Store produced this impressive sophomore effort with Mellencamp's longtime guitarist
Mike Wanchic. Second, the Heartland quintet hails from Indiana, Mellencamp's home state. But then,
Two Beasts doesn't need an indirect connection to Mellencamp to legitimize it, and truth be told, this probably would have been an impressive CD even without Wanchic's participation. The passionate and bluesy
Chris Shaffer is as fine a songwriter as he is a lead singer, and it's obvious how talented he is on such earthy offerings as "Manic Man," "Working" and "Do Do Do." You won't find trendy or pretentious songwriting on this CD, just straightforward, uncomplicated rock & roll that thrives on melody and more melody. Those who enjoyed
the Why Store's previous album will also find a lot to admire about
Two Beasts. ~ Alex Henderson