Reviewed by Ian Webber

From the outset, this album hides nothing about its musical intentions. The title track that launches this second offering from the San Diego based group is full on rock and roll, conjuring the smell of axle grease and sweaty clubs. Dirty, grungy guitars cut their way through a series of traditional chord progressions, at times reminding the listener of Led Zeppelin. This three piece outfit is led by bassist Joey Bradford whose scratchy, earthy vocals set this group apart from other Delta blues rock groups. Whilst the quality of the music produced is excellent and at times inventive, you have to wait until the last two tracks on the album for the highlights. "Prodigal Son" employs heavily overdriven slide guitar and this is followed by the foot stomping "Charlie" that could have been written for John Lee Hooker. Lyrics are typically forthright and the album includes a refreshing reworking of the favourite chorus "Walking By My Side". This package is neatly put together, with some tight musicianship, but at just over half an hour it is on the short side.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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