To the Confusion of Our Enemies by Riverboat Gamblers (CD, Apr-2006, Volcom Entertainment)

Hailing from my hometown of Denton, TX; the music is still like their first album (self titled) in the sense the songs are still short and catchy, but the newest album shows the bands progression with keyboards in one song, and collaborations with other artists on a few songs. True Crime, On again/ off again, and Rent is Due are the first three songs to strike me when I first got the album, but after a while I enjoyed the whole album as much as any of their other ones. Go see them live if you get the chance, maybe I am partial because we are old friends, but I still think they are worth the money I pay to see them.

Take cover for the backlash of this album. If you are familiar with the Riverboat Gamblers then you might just think they have 'sold out' with all the fancy bells and whistles this time. But if you KNOW the Riverboat Gamblers, you also know this just isn't true. Its not as rough as their previous albums, which may be a downer since rough really has worked for these guys over the years. The sound is slicker and you can even tell tell what the lyrics say... but you may just call that quality production, also. The most important thing is that their live show hasn't changed a bit and to be honest... we only buy the albums to hold us over until we can catch another live show, right?

Songs like 'Rent is Due', 'On Again/Off Again', and 'Walk Around Me' are catchy and you find yourself singing along even before you know all the words. But leave it to 'True Crime' and 'Don't Bury Me... I'm Still Not Dead' to get you on the edge of your seats with its wit and honesty. Then there is "The Art of getting F#$%ed" that may or may not sound a little familiar... but either way it will have you screaming out G-A-M-B-L-E-R. It took me more than one time through to fall completly in love with this album, because I too am used to the rough and raw sound of Something To Crow About... but following an album like that is tough anyways, and especially when you try to please everyone.

These guys are going to go along way, which I can't say I'm too thrilled about myself, but they do deserve it. If their stardom does start to leave a nasty taste in your mouth just turn it to track 3 and know that no matter what they are going to do it the way they want. G.F.F.G.

- Jada Kent