Two years after their debut, Pittsburgh rockers Rattle Bones return with a collection of tunes that feels like a sweaty night in a packed dive bar. Released in May 2026, the trio’s sophomore outing, ‘A Few Disconnected Thoughts’, avoids the typical second-album slump by sticking to what they do best: loud guitars, driving rhythms, and completely unpretentious rock and roll.
The record opens with the swaggering strut of ‘In Exile’, immediately setting a tone that sits somewhere between the late-era rolling groove of The Rolling Stones and the classic Americana of Tom Petty. Frontman Gary Martin lays down heavy, textured riffs while delivery lyrics like, “I walk these dirty streets, in exile every day,” with a weathered grit. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Eric Rodger and drummer Tom Hohn, locks into a tight, fluid pocket that anchors the entire project.
While the band proudly wears their classic rock influences, they inject enough modern sonic grime to keep things fresh. ‘Ain’t It Strange’ bounces with a joyful, bar-room swagger reminiscent of The Faces, while ‘Broken Pieces’ slows down into a bourbon-soaked lament. Not everything hits with immediate impact; the slightly sinister, psychedelic edge of ‘Quicksand Blues’ feels a bit detached from the band's usual straight-ahead rock formula, offering a jarring transition even if it showcases their willingness to experiment.
However, the momentum recovers quickly. ‘Absolutely Criminal’ thrives on a sleazy, infectious chorus, and ‘Damn Too Bad’ carries a heavy 1970s stadium-blues weight. By the time the atmospheric, late-night exhaustion of ‘Slow Drag’ gives way to the acoustic closer ‘Coda’, the album feels like a complete journey.
Reflecting on the 10-track release, Martin notes, “‘A Few Disconnected Thoughts’ is my proudest collection as a songwriter. If you dug ‘Silver Bullets’, you're going to love this new album!" He adds, "We’ve always believed that rock and roll should be an honest, visceral art form. This record captures a lot of the chaotic, fragmented energy of the modern world, but keeps it anchored to the fundamental elements we love: a killer backbeat, guitar noir, and songs that tell a real story."
It is an honest, well-crafted slice of guitar music. Track down Rattle Bones on Facebook and Instagram to catch their upcoming tour dates.
