Powerful second album from widely lauded Alabama-based quartet.
Live this band are apparently the real deal – raising a mighty ruckus with their powerful playing and the impact of lead singer Brandon Coleman. Their debut album – ‘Moment Of Truth’ – released in 2022 was well received – and included a mega smash single – ‘Wondering Why‘ – which has notched up 100 million streams on Spotify.
The band’s challenge, however, for their second release was to try and bring the spirit of their magnificent live act into the studio – which many found lacking on their debut. So for this album they call on the majestic knob twiddling of Dave Cobb and the album was recorded at his Georgia Mae studios in Savannah GH. To say this album is highly anticipated would be the understatement of the moment – the band are smokin’. They also recently supported The Rolling Stones in Boston.
This is glorious rock’n’roll mixed with a healthy dollop of good old Southern soul and the ensuing classy songwriting, exemplary playing and the incredibly accomplished vocals from Coleman produce an album to be savoured.
We open on ‘Disaster’ – a laid back tune that still grabs you by the collar from the get go – with its classic southern rock feel and superb guitar playing, in a song dealing with the reality that we’re all imperfect and destined to cause our own downfall. The album’s all about how we really can overcome the battles we face in life such as loneliness, depression and hopelessness. On ‘Wastin’ Time’ we have another guitar-drenched, powerful rocker – with everything turned up to ten.
On ‘Wanna Be Loved’ – the tempo slows down for a love song with Coleman’s masterly vocals mixing delicacy with his natural rough rasping and it’s so infectious. ‘No One Else Like Me’ looks to a higher being seeking direction forward and is another soulful ballad that really resonates. The hint at what a powerful live act the band are is demonstrated in ‘Ramblin’ ’, a full-on up-tempo rocker which packs a punch and a half – seeing this performed live must be something else. 2’33” of sheer class.
Things calm down on ‘Drowning’ – another atmospheric soulful ballad – which is followed by ‘Devil In My Ear’ which looks unflinchingly at the challenges of depression – if you’re not a snake fan – avoid looking at the video for this. The spiritual tone returns with the gospel rocker ‘On My Knees’ and it’s brilliant and ‘I’m Still Fine’ is a wonderful acoustic shuffle, with an incredibly catchy tune around the organ and guitar playing.
The band are made up of Coleman on lead vocals and guitar; Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica); Zach Rishel (electric guitar); Andrew Bishop (bass); and John Hall (drums). All are superb. This is a really impressive collection that shows how accomplished these five musicians are – strong songwriting, powerful vocals and exemplary musicianship. Once experienced, you’re itching to get a chance to see these songs played live.
