Every so often an album drops that you feel might just be one that will stay with you for a very long time, less frequently you hear an album that perfectly exemplifies a certain genre of music and feels so authentic it has to come from the heart. Southern Rock is a genre that is having a bit of a revival these days, particularly at the heavier end of the spectrum so its great to hear a record which nails the music of the 70’s giants perfectly. The only surprise might be that Smokey Fingers hail not from the South, not even from the US but from Italy.
For fans of the band, like us, who loved their debut EP ‘Columbus Way’ then the only surprise here might be the sheer strength of this follow up and first full album. At the time we said of that album:
“Musically this is tight, and the production has that layer of grime about it that screams authenticity. There are sweeping tortured guitars, a palate of great hooks and blues-infused riffs and the vocals at points sweep you away. But highest in the mixing pot is the smell of Southern US rock at it’s best – definitely the charm and strength of Skynyrd, Blackfoot and Hatchet but equally the delicacy and melody of the Allmans too.”
If that seemed like high change then ‘Promised Land’ ups the ante, I’d g so far to say that this is a CLASSIC Southern Rock album and one of the best moments in that genre in years.
The best thing about Southern Rock of course is the power to transport you to simpler times and this album does just that through a combination of rockers, mid-tempo masterworks and a handful of songs that just light up the summer sky and guide you home.
Sounding like it could only have been recorded in the 70’s of course greatly enhances the real live feel of the album as does the rather bluesy slant on things. Add to that the great guitar and of course the Southern-fried vocals of Gianluca ‘Luke’ Paterniti.
We are eased in somewhat though, opener BLACK MADAME is as standard as the fare comes here – an assured take on the genre it may be but its a mere introduction to an album that really understands the genre. RATTLESNAKE TRAIL is killer cowboy rock a la Lynyrd Skynyrd and will not only take you on that journey it will make you believe the South will rise again. It’s a joy to listen to like a song like that and the fact they can follow it up with the single THE ROAD IS MY HOME should assuage even the most ardent traditionalist. It’s nice piece of laid back country rock with some great slide and a great life affirming feel.
If there is one drawback to the album its the length – you feel that at 12 tracks its a little long for the genre and even if just to compliment the ‘authentic vibe’ an 8 or 9 track vinyl-length record might have ironically grabbed even more attention. That is not to say there is any filler here,not by any means.
We do of course have our favourites and aside from the outstanding opening three numbers there’s the Little Caesar-like swagger of DAMAGE IS DONE replete with cool Molly Hatchet style solo. Elsewhere the slightly funky THE BASEMENT, the contemplative LAST TRAIN, the driving THUNDERSTORM and the fine closer – the ballad NO all more than satisfy.
If you love bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Allmans, Doc Holliday and Blackfoot, or later bands like Cry of Love, even Little Caesar then this is a must. Smokey Fingers has built on the promise their debut EP ‘Columbus Way’ hinted at and delivered an album of real class and authenticity. This is one of the very best of 2016 and a real treat for fans of Southern Rock.
