Seattle PI:
For the past few years, Brent Amaker and the Rodeo have been branding Seattle clubs with their self-described “cowboy arena rock,” and, like a stubborn steer getting the flesh of its behind seared by a cowpoke, their music has a kick and puts up a fight. That kick hits hard when you’re slamming down shots while listening to “Bring Me the Whiskey” and the fight comes strong on “Knock You Out.” Those songs perfectly encapsulate what Amaker and the Rodeo — bassist Sugar McGuinn, drummer Mason Lowe and guitarists Steve Davis and Ben Strehle — are about. Their music is outlaw country that covers the traditional bases of lost loves, tears in beers and barroom brawls, with extra attitude. And while the music packs a wallop, it’s visual flair and showmanship that delivers the knockout punch and sells the essence of the Rodeo.