Cowboy Stoner Arkestra - The Missing Stuff

​Cowboy Stoner Arkestra

The Missing Stuff
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Sometimes you don’t need a professional recording to hear how good a song is. I think that is fair to say of The Missing Stuff by Cowboy Stoner Arkestra. This four-song EP has some quality songs that I hope one day are recorded in a professional studio. Suffice it to say I think the singer Owen Burgress has an enjoyable voice but I have to admit I would have loved to hear it better in the mix.

The songs themselves do have the cowboy-esque vibe and that what I was drawn to initially with these songs. I was reminded of sitting by a campfire with a handful of friends and a handle of whisky. 

The EP starts with a highlight entitled “Where the Cowboys Go.” I just liked the overall vibe and feel of this song. It’s slightly upbeat, hopeful and nostalgic at the same time. That’s a killer combo if you ask me. Truth be told I couldn't make out the lyrics by listening to the song but I was able to read the lyrics. The lyrics do in fact have to do with cowboys. He sings, “I’m going where the cowboys go / Out past Laredo /  Out where the wind still blows. 

“Because of You” is a lot more mellow. The army style snare is surrounded by guitar and harmonica. The song on top of being mellow is more melancholy. My only complaint is with the production. The snare work masks the vocal. On “Because of You” the lyrics complement the mood. He sings, “The world was desolate full of sorrow / Strangers had no hearts or hands. 

Up next is “I Used to Live in Texas” which is in fact all about Texas. Burgess talks about being raised and how he thought he was going to die there. Thy close with the melancholy “I'm Blue” which reinforced the unique western cowboy-esque vibe the band has.

​I’m drawn to this band’s sound. I don’t hear this type of sound often which feels like it could be used in a Quentin Tarantino movie. Hopefully this band will get in the studio some time soon because it deserves a professional recording.

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