Dinosaur Stampede – Big Sigh Country (Album Review)

Today’s review features the band Dinosaur Stampede and their new album “Big Sigh Country.” Right off, the band’s name makes me think it’s a group of “old guys playing country.” And I say that lovingly, because usually a group of “old guys playing country” is pretty damn good. So can’t wait to hear what collection of new tunes these guys have come up with.

Dinosaur Stampede are:
Patrick “Packy” Thompson (…but ugly, Black Vomit, Jaysom Rallys) – Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
Keith Hartel (True Love, Adrenaline OD, Tammy Faye Starlite, Richard Lloyd, Motel Shootout, Pleased Youth, Handsome Dick Manitoba) – Lead Guitar/Vocals/Keyboards
Keith Kenny (Metal6000, legendary Red Suitcase one-man-band) – Lead Guitar/Vocals/Inspiration
Matt Kohut (Cold Soil Drifters, Ween, Chris Harford) – Bass
Sim Cain (Rollins Band, Ween, Dean Ween Group, J. Geils Band, Regressive Aid, Gone, Scorn Flakes) – Drums/Vocals/Wisdom

Dinosaur Stampede returns with their long-awaited second album, Big Sigh Country, co-produced by Sim Cain and New Jersey guitar legend Keith Kenny, who graces the album with his inspired and transcendent guitar work and backing vocals throughout, and was a creative and engineering force driving the project forward. Keith Hartel shifts from bass to provide some of the finest lead guitar work of his illustrious career (as well as background vocals, keyboards, and lead vocals on the new song “PLEAS”). Playing drums and co-producing the project, SIM CAIN brings his world-renowned knowledge, talent, and professionalism. The new album includes 8 original songs written by Packy Thompson and is set for release this fall. The band will be performing the new album in its entirety on November 1, 2025, at Randy Now’s Man Cave in Hightstown, NJ, USA.

So let’s have a listen …

The first song on the new album is called Bean. Well, folks, this is not country. The song starts with the tolling of a bell, then the full band kicks in playing an uptempo riff. The lead vocalist has a lonesome punk voice. The song in the chorus reminds me of some punk tunes. I like the effect on the lead guitar, giving it a warbly sound. Maybe the song is about Francis Bean Cobain? The chorus reminds me of some late-60s pop-rock bands.

Other Animals starts with a nice acoustic guitar riff, very nice. The singer’s voice is very distinctive. A little like Bob Dylan in its straining to sing quality. I like the slide guitar that appears halfway through the song. The songwriting is actually pretty good, if it could just get over the singer’s voice. If you listen, you’ll hear what I mean. It’s a very unique voice. I wonder what the same songs would sound like with a different lead singer. 

Lie Fight (The Truth) starts with a massive country bend and a loud solo. “She brought the truth to the lie fight.” Definitely a country tune, this one.
Pretty standard country song arrangement. A little boring, honestly.

Pleas starts with a Motown up and down riff, then falls into a two-chord vamp under the verse. The chorus kicks in and I’m hearing The Beatles, at least in the song arrangement. Interesting song so far. The singer’s voice takes some getting used to – sort of a nasally punk sound. I like this one.

Lump starts with a driving rock riff a’la Cream. Maybe a little Nirvana in this song arrangement. I like the riff. The lead guitars are mixed nicely and loud. The only thing this song needs is a better singer. But very nice production.

Undangled, Unsung has a Southern Rock sound at its core. Maybe a little blues in the way the vocals fall over the slow guitar riffs. For the vocals, you have to imagine a young Tom Waits wailing with a coarse voice after an acid trip. The guitars are mixed very loud in this track. Lots of soloing.

Broker Than Dirt starts with a folk riff, but played on an electric guitar. The song playfully bounces between chords. Sounds like Bob Dylan meets Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboys.

Salamis & Hookers starts with strange noises, almost helicopter-like in nature. I really like the nice chord vibe and particularly the lead guitar fuzzed and wah’d out. Not sure what the song is about, strange lyrics. I hear a lot of late ’60s and ’70s rock influences in many of these songs. I love the lead guitar jam at the end of this song, epic! Nice way to finish.

Overall, I like the songwriting, the instrument performances, and the production on all the songs. My only criticism is the sound of the voice.

SCORE/Good: Dinosaur Stampede delivers a new rock album full of interesting musical choices, excellent songwriting and musical arrangements, and a singer’s voice that only a mother could love. If you like good songwriting, though, check it out. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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