Ever growing in their popularity Black Stone Cherry recently marked their ten year anniversary with a string of arena dates. Returning to the ground of their first ever UK performance in Birmingham where ten years later the band have swapped dingy pubs for sold out arenas. A sense of patrioticism is incredibly important for our Southern rockers, as a homage to their native land Kentucky brings elements from the past, present and future in a southern drawl. Having wanted to return back to their roots for sometime now at last the time had come, ten years later entering the same studio where the band recorded their eponymous debut they reentered the studio to deliver Kentucky.
[tracklist]
- The Way Of The Future
- In Our Dreams
- Shakin’ My Cage
- Soul Machine
- Long Ride
- War
- Hangman
- Cheaper To Drink Alone
- Rescue Me
- Feelin’ Fuzzy
- Darkest Secret
- Born To Die
The Rambler
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]Enter album length here[/length]
[record_label]Mascot Label Group[/record_label]
[release_date]April 1st 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
For a sound that is associated with tradition its interesting that the band opt for “The Way Of The Future” discussing the current state of affairs with the ever crooked politicians and the state of the world address. Acting as a fantastic introduction to Kentucky’s sound the record very much echoes a sense of old values yet with a metallic tune up into the modern day. Down tuned “Hangman” for example alludes to a boot stomping riff that with the added lower tuning brings a slightly new dynamic to what is an overly saturated market. Not to mention a cover of the classic “War” sees our vocalist flex his pipes with a dramatic ensemble doing justice to the cover whilst putting the Black Stone Cherry stamp on it.
The grandiose aquatic ideals of “In Our Dreams” appear on the surface to be yet another non descript ballad before weighty guitar brings the reveal of something a little more than paint by number bluesy rock. Though despite their creativity on the album there are sure fire radio hits the likes of “Cheaper To Drink Alone” which features a great drop out solo poundin’ that blues scale. Kentucky sees a band return to the essential elements that made them all the rage all that time ago. Experimenting yet returning to their roots the album is a definitive statement of progression for the band.
Time, the most cruel of mistresses has at last been kind to the band. Returning a decade later, Kentucky is hardly songs from the cutting room floor but a band reinvigorated. Having learnt from often harsh life lessons it has turned Black Stone Cherry into gruff, weatherworn but overtly wise song writers. Finishing with the poignant “Ramblin’ Man” a song dedicated to frontman Chris’ father who may be gone but can be proud of the legacy his son and his band mates are leaving behind in his honour.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Ten years later the studio may be the same but our band is not. Hardened by the harsh lessons taught in life the band have unveiled an album that embraces its roots whilst moving forward.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the brand new album here!
