The term supergroup has been thrown around for decades and usually ends up in a one or two album deal. Black County Communion are the exception to this rule. With their fifth studio album simply titled “V” they have delivered yet another very solid offering that showcases all four members, their history, their influences and their individual styles while offering consistently great albums as a band. “V” is no exception to the bands already amazing bodies of work.
If you aren’t aware of who Black County Communion are, they are Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple/The Dead Daisies/Trapeze), Jason Bonham (Bonham/Sammy Hagar and The Circle/UFO), Derek Sherininan (Dream Theatre/Alice Cooper/Billy Idol/Yngwie Malmsteen) and blues virtuoso solo artist Joe Bonamassa.
With a line up like that you know there is bound to be magic in this album. So how does it stack up against the previous four albums and just how good is it ? Read on and all will be revealed.
Produced by Bonamassa’s long-time collaborator and friend Kevin Shirley Black County Communion have again found a way to add new depth and power to their sound and style. Within “V” there are new territories explored through the bands continued musical excellence and innovation. Each member leaves a bold stamp of their styles which makes each song a journey while continuing to push the boundaries of what they have previously released, written and recorded.
‘Enlighten’ is the album’s first single and the leading track for the album. It starts with a swagger filled riff and a classic Bonham power driven drumming. There is space, light and shadow in the verses that allow Hughes voice and captivate you. The chorus is catchy as it picks up momentum and has you singing along in no time.
‘Stay Free’ has a funky fusion feel where Hughes vocals simply soar again. This is his wheel house vocally and the way the intricacies of the music sit beneath it is just sublime. Bonamassa’s solo is pure taste and feel.
‘Red Sun’ has a driving groove to it based around a heavier riff that sonically wouldn’t be out of place on one of the classic Soundgarden albums. The bands ability to put together a song that experiments with sonic styles gives it depth and a journey. It’s bold, intricate and just has a flow to it that keeps it you engaged.
‘Restless’ is the first time we hear Bonamassa’s blues influence take centre stage. His tone and feel is exceptional. Hughes soulful delivery reminds you why he is the consummate blues rock singer.
‘Letting Go’ is reminiscent of Hughes work with The Dead Daises it’s a straight forward rocker that is accented by a dirty keyboard line from Sherininan. It’s the albums shortest track and leaves you wanting more.
‘Skyway’ has an airy aggression to it. Bonham drives this track hard. Sherinian’s playing on this really is a treat it’s intricate while adding a solid foundation for the others to play within.
‘You’re Not Alone’ is probably the most concise track based upon the melting together of all four members own unique sounds and styles.
‘Love And Faith’ has a strong Zeppelin vibe to it. Huge drums, that space and dynamic that is so familiar. The solo isn’t what you would expect in this song and really does give it some dimension. It has moments that are reminiscent of The Who and Hughes just sings his ass off on this one. It’s a great track and possibly my favourite track on the album.
‘Too Far Gone’ highlight just how good these guys are as musicians, how well they play and write together. For me it really is a definitive Black County communion song. If there was a song to define how this band sounds to somebody new to the band this would be it. Great song.
‘The Open Road’ is a surprise closer to the album, but the perfect song to put a bow on this collection of songs. Live this song will be something else. It’s a soulful, funky rocker that just pulls you in and grabs on tight. It deserves to be a single. It’s another exceptional example of the abilities of this band.
In summary ‘V’ is a fine body of work. It didn’t completely grab me in the first listen but as I took time to engage with each track, I was able to appreciate the level of song writing and musicianship within this band. At times it truly does have moments where the songs appear to have a very live feeling to them, others at times come across as sterile and pieced together. It would be interesting to get the full insight on how this album was recorded and how the songs came together. Each song is a journey within itself. Expect the unexpected and for some of the intricate twists and turns you find yourself in places you wouldn’t expect to be taken. ‘V’ is a solid record and when listened to from start to finish but truly shines for me as individual tracks. Played back to front or in a random sequence it’s a great listen yet it lacks a continuity that makes it just press play album. If you want to be taken on a journey, take the time to dive deep into each track because the playing and arrangements within each song are stunning, technical and clever.
‘V’ adds nicely to the bands catalogue. Is it their finest moment? For me the first two BCC albums are untouchable and this album sits comfortably behind them.
‘V’ by Black Country Communion
1. Enlighten
2. Stay Free
3. Red Sun
4. Restless
5. Letting Go
6. Skyway
7. You’re Not Alone
8. Love And Faith
9. Too Far Gone
10. The Open Road
