Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
Since they first came over here, there’s been a mutual love affair that’s blossomed between the UK and Black Stone Cherry, the Kentucky quartet winning hearts and minds with their brand of high kicking, ass whippin’ high octane rock ‘n’ roll.
One of the best live bands on the planet, the outfit have built a reputation for thrilling shows that, whilst are never less than a spectacle, manage to bring a real heart and warmth to all there. Once you’ve been to a Black Stone Cherry concert, you’re part of the family. As impressive as their live performances are, it’s their songwriting that’s key to their success and with eight critically acclaimed studio albums under their belts, any new release has become hotly anticipated. Happily, new release ‘Celebrate’ more than carries on the tradition and digs into all that the band do best.
Halfway between a full length album and an EP, this new release features six original numbers and one cover, each track soaked in a beer and bourbon mix of Southern and Classic hard rock, along with some very modern heavy metal punch. At times blistering and equally capable of showing the most subtle of nuance, the tracks contain plenty of light and shade as the band stretch wings and flex muscles once again the only way they know how. Once more, the voice and fretwork of Chris Robertson stands loud and proud, his playing perfectly matched with the high energy guitar of Ben Wells and the freight train rhythm section of drummer John Fred Young and bass player Steve Jewell Jr.. It’s an irresistible blend and each member brings their A Game, the sound at once familiar yet fresh as they pour every ounce of passion into each number.
High kicking off with the suitably joyful ‘Celebrate’, things start with a big chunky riff, a hook laden chorus and a sound that could fill arenas, all shot through with a class that many reach for but few attain. Next up. ‘Neon Eyes’ glories in a deep groove and a monster guitar sound that has enough punch to flatten city blocks, the bouncing ‘Caught Up In The Down’ equally devastating. Taking a bit of a tangent, ‘I’m Fine’ sounds like a rocket fuelled blues jam between Nirvana and Creed as grunge aesthetic meets arena rock before the heartfelt ‘Deep’ takes the foot off the gas a little to bring a ballad full of soul whilst also having a gritty and authentic edge.
Imbued with a real spirit of Led Zeppelin, ‘What You’re Made Of’ brings big waves of crushing, globe conquering heavy rock but played by their faster and more feral cousins, the whole thing destined to become a fan and live favourite in years to come. Rounding things off, the band are joined by Theory of a Deadman’s Tyler Connolly for a big and ballsy romp through Simple Minds stadium friendly anthem ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, everyone obviously having an almost indecent amount of fun whilst doing so. The euphoria of the last track sums up the whole of the release as Black Stone Cherry yet again prove that they’re one of a kind and will continue to be loved by all those who come into their orbit. Few bands have got the heart and soul of Black Stone Cherry and the world’s a better and brighter place with them in it as ‘Celebrate’ proves in no uncertain terms. Long may they fly high.
Pre-order the Celebrate EP HERE.
BLACK STONE CHERRY are:
Chris Robertson – vocals, guitars
Ben Wells – guitars
John Fred Young – drums
Steve Jewell Jr. – bass
Find BLACK STONE CHERRY Online:
Tickets will be available HERE.
