Black Stone Cherry is one of my favorite bands to emerge
since Live-Metal.net launched in 2006. Their self-titled debut
was breath of fresh air, a good-natured slab of Southern-influenced
hard rock made by four young men with an obvious love, passion
and appreciation for what they’re doing. The album,
though, is nothing compared to the magic they bring to the
stage as a live act, where they add extended instrumental
sections, throw in a blues jam or a cover of “Voodoo
Child” here and there, and perform with so much heart
and soul.
My hopes were high for album No. 2, Folklore and Superstition,
and I’m happy to say Black Stone Cherry not only met
but exceeded them. The lead track, “Blind Man,”
is a superb rocker, and the band wastes no time getting to
its more soulful side with the second number, “Please
Come In.” Then it’s back to grooving hard rock
on “Reverend Wrinkle.” Piano and strings enter
the fold on the ballad “Things My Father Said.”
“The Bitter End” gets things rolling again as
the most up-tempo BSC song so far. I can’t wait to hear
“Devil’s Queen” live to see what they do
instead of fading out the guitar-solo-packed ending. As if
all of that isn’t enough, “ Sunrise ” throws
a little reggae into the mix.
This is a diverse, complete album—it’s not one
of those with a great beginning and a second half filled with
songs that bleed together so much that you just want it to
end. This one runs 53 minutes and you wish it was longer.
Producer Bob Marlette (Saliva, Alice Cooper) gives the recording
a tight, crisp sound that fits the band well and allows each
player to shine.
The icing on the cake is the overwhelmingly positive attitude
the band brings to its music. It feels good to hear vocalist/guitarist
Chris Robertson, on “Peace Is Free,” sing in his
deep, warm tone, “Don’t you bring your sadness
down on me when peace is free/There’s a sun up ahead
brother waitin’ on me—can’t you see?”
Having met and interviewed the guys, I can tell you the sentiment
is genuine.
I must amend my first statement because with Folklore
and Superstition, Black Stone Cherry has become one of
my favorite bands in any period of time. |
