First off i'd like to thank and applaud the guys on getting back together and putting in all the hard work and effort for this album BCCIV
Now Black Country Communion have had a Heavy Rocky Road down the years
with being appreciated by Blues fans with their style of RockBlues/Metal and some folk storytelling style, But ... on the other side of the coin it has touched and lit up the rockier side of Joe where some JB fans like to see him go, and Joe does indeed like to really Rock Out.
That said what we have here after a 4 year Hiatus ( more like sleeping Godzilla ) is without doubt their most powerful and polished album to date.
It is Pure Rock with Ferocity and Tightness with the Guys seemingly fresh and unshackled
just listen to some of the music on show here it is so well arranged and delivered that this album will known as their blueprint close to BCC2 which was outstanding
here is a brief track by track analysis of what i felt
1. Collide . . . . . The Album kicks off with a deep slice of chunky Rock, this is right out the block riffing thunderous slabs of guitar and even this early on the band feels noticibly tighter and in pure unison, A Brutal Rock opener that grabs you and says this is what we're bringing
2. Over My Head . . . . AC/DC / Red Hot Chilli Peppers Morph with a punchy medium Rockin tune and lovely work from Jason keeping the beat with glen wailing perfectly
3. The Last Song of My Resting Place . . . . Epic Rush like tale of Titanic proportions with violins & mandolins fade in and out to give a history feel, and Joe singing like a storyteller like he lived in the fable, foretold to music, this is grower with Joe's voice aching to the finale, around 4;00 the song drags you into the heavy depths with Joe leading power to the fade out, Epic Stuff
4. Sway . . . . This one is fierce, Machine Gun Riffs that keep the pace fast and furious, Glen flowing over the sounds is pure heavy rock that something '72 Deep Purple would not of sent to the cutting room floor, a funny mid change up with Joe spiralling out of fretboard control
Supreme Rock This Is
5. The Cove . . . . Dereks creepy keys fade into A Wonderful eerie song with Glen consuming its core and telling the sad tale of fated dolphins in a bay far away, he transcends you there to the despair, it is truly deep and slow with heartfelt overtones, Joe's solo is filled with anger like dolphins sounds in the watery depths.
Deep Stuff
6. The Crow . . . . Black Country Communion - What The Freakin' Hell, This is probably their best tune omfg, it's Pure 100% Heavy Rock, The Riff is Savage and Brutal tearing Rock's flesh off to the bone with insane power chords and rhythm a relentless surge on your musical senses and even gains momentum and it powers along with all 4 members pushing their limit soloing, then the heaviest of breakdowns and seamless screams to a creschendo finale. Amazing BCC Rockin' Out Flexing it's Incredible Power. This Live Will Be Unreal
7. Wunderlust . . . . . A lighter Dire Straits medium/fast beat, soothing vocals with a wonderful solid beat, then Joe unleashes one of his best solos ever out of nowhere and an amazing outro from 6:30 til the end Joe steps it up yet again tearing loose, this album is so so powerful.
8. Love Remains . . . . . Like a Wanton Song screaming the rhythm and guitars race and build above the harmonies , a delicious slice of funky rock and the keys swirl wonderfully with a nice Pink Floydish breakdown mid song and fires up again
9. Awake . . . . . Joe's Melee of notes with Glen letting his voice push the fast beat along with various vocal notes, Derek and Joe trade blows mid song. A creeper
10. When Morning Comes . . . . . Piano laden song a lovely closer after all the mayhem that has destroyed the rock senses previously, a soothing close to ballad type song and the band are in a gentler mood , it was needed after all the fury of 4 years unleashed. as Joe's goes Crazy as the album fades
And there you have it, A Unbelievable Power Rock Record that is close to as Black Country Communion have come to finding their Core.
I am so impressed at this album and it shows when you put 4 incredible talented musicians in the studio who have Rock in their blood
BCCIV is a Real Real Serious Contender for Rock Album of The year
The Guys must be so so pleased with this and cant wait to hear some of this Live
........... Michael
ps ..... The Crow
Joe Bonamassa ....... His Greatest 3 Videos ... IMMHO After Much Deliberation
3rd ...... Mountain Time / Rockpalast
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h01xa6NMsJo2nd ...... Sloe Gin / Vienna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRASS8O8ZnE 1st ....... Blues Deluxe / The Borderline
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnl3E_KLxYg