When I first heard opening track ‘Lines’ I knew Black Heart Saints were onto another winner. The song, which comes across like a heavier take on ‘Southern Harmony-era’ Black Crowes, is something special indeed and a great way to start this four track EP. Just to make sure you are sat up and paying attention then ‘Crazy’ muscles in, it’s a big-riffed stomper that smashes the door down making it another great opening to a Saints’ release.
Sadly at only four tracks there’s another cover on the EP, and yes I know the band do covers well but I still prefer my originals. It’s even more noticeable when your EP has only four tracks – having a cover makes you feel a little cheated, a little like the wonderful debut album ‘Alive’ last year which had 13 tracks, three fillers and only five new songs. In short I just want more and I think I’d rather wait for it.
The cover you see is ‘Addicted to Love’ and yes is that Robert Palmer track, given a Southern sheen and a bit of grunt, but after a number of listens I’m still not sure about it, it does a great job of showcasing Josh Ross’ fine vocals with a bit of grunt like Crowes but as the Palmer original is so recognisable I’m not entirely sure it works as well as some of their other cover songs.
The EP ends way too soon with ‘Misery’ a glorious way to wrap things up, and one that can only be played loud and it rolls and writhes driven by an infectious beat, bluesy drive and wailing guitars, This is just the sort of music that ill take Black Heart Saints far. Already a band to watch Black Heart Saints continue to build and with songs like the three originals here they continue to go from strength to strength.
