Here’s something a little different from Phoenix, a vintage mash of Space Blues with influences name-checking the iconic – Hendrix, The Stones and Zeppelin as well as the newer revival sounds of The Black Keys, Royal Blood,Alabama Shakes and The Rival Sons. There’s even more in the mix than that though with everything from Southern Rock to Detroit Rock thrown into the mix.
Opener ‘Reigning Dawn’ might be mighty enough of an opener to get you hooked in but its just a taste of what’s to come, all stripped-back and threadbare,before the Bluesy guitar cuts in and we’re running. ‘What Kind of Love’ is a more righteous noise with a Zepplinny groove but like it was forged from the same influences rather than the band that mastered them. Third track ‘Blue eyed Hurricane’ is where it gets Spacey.
The best though might just be the next two: ‘Spring Meddle’ slows it down again and gets mighty mournful before the urgent groove of ‘Macon County’ rattles some bones and makes you wonder what these guys sound like ‘live.’ At this point we’re still less than half way in.
If you like what you’ve heard so far then the remainder of the 13 tracks here are just as pleasing. ‘(I Had a Dream) Last Night’ has a real 60’s groove, and whilst ‘Tear On’ with it’s chunky fuzzed-up motor might be the most interesting track here it’s a great listen from start to finish if you’re looking for something that’s not precious and built with equal measures of love, divine madness and respect.