The debut album from youthful Kentucky rockers
Black Stone Cherry
meanders comfortably somewhere between
metal
and
Southern rock
.
has what it takes to be considered
hard rock
. Songs with titles like
"Lonely Train,"
"Tired of the Rain,"
"Rollin' On"
and their somewhat predictable lyrics land the formula of
. Heavy distortion and gritty, brooding vocals reminiscent of
Godsmack
's
Sully Erna
lay down the format for
alternative metal
does what a lot of bands in the new century of
would like to -- find a new sound. The album never gets boring and is full of great riffs and a thunderous rhythm section. Lead singer
Chris Robertson
's vocals are surprisingly mature and soulful and the band's lead guitar (
Robertson
Ben Wells
) is impressive.
"Shapes of Things,"
a cover of the
Yardbirds
chestnut, is a standout on the album. The tone, the rhythm, and the vocals are unique -- and if
keeps heading in this direction, the band will surely be able to separate itself from the influx of other bands who have been riding on the
post-grunge
circuit since the '90s. The same goes for
which features some of the best guitar work on the album, from a choppy riff to
blues
-infused licks and solo -- it's anything but bland. The real clincher of this song, as well as with
"Rollin' On,"
is the use of a B-3 organ from guest artist
Reece Wynans
. It has all the charm of nostalgia, without being boring or forced. There's no doubt that
has talent, and they are onto something.
proves the band is diverse in their influences and goals. The
twist and the occasional
Merle Haggard
reference are a really solid start, but at times, the album comes across as a little too generic for what the band is capable of.
has more in them than to become just another
band in the now very
era. ~ Megan Frye