Blue Suede News Review of "Headin' On" from Winter Issue #69

by Gaby Maag-Bristol

"Lil' Bit is heading in the right direction here, this CD is so personal and therefore perfect for the Customatics. Lil' Bit's catalyst for relationship heartbreak are her own five songs that seem to be so very autobiographical. 'Bringin' Me Down' for example is a slow, beautiful but blue Honky Tonk in the best Hank Williams tradition. One of those songs that really grab you. Tomcat Miller on bass (and vocals on a few numbers) has answers ready like 'Drink You Off My Mind' (one of his five compositions), a fast Honky Tonk Rocker. The vast majority of the originals are about a break up or unhappy relationship, something everyone can relate to more or less. Fingers are flying with fast Country Boogie licks on 'Headin' On' and others, reverb is turned up on twangy numbers, finger picking is king on others and there is even the jazzy 'Now That You've Gone Away'. The standard 'Just Because' shines vocal harmonies and extra fast guitar licks. The lively 'Step It Up And Go' is fun and reminiscent of the Maddox Brothers & Rose. Musically the Customatics take a primarily acoustic approach with slap-bass (nice solo in the opener), lead and rhythm guitar. I had thought of them primarily as a Rockabilly band but they are even more rooted in the Country sounds of their native Texas. A great CD to lean back and reflect on life to - I can't escape the heartfelt lyrics and Lil' Bit's beautiful voice and the hardcore low-key Country style the Customatics have down so well."