Music review: The Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s new album
I鈥檝e come to terms with the fact that chances are slim to none that brothers Chris and Rich Robinson will put aside their differences and reunite the Black Crowes.
While I certainly miss the swagger and gutsy blues delivered on the band鈥檚 debut effort 鈥淪hake Your Money Maker鈥� and sophomore release 鈥淭he Southern Harmony and Musical Companion,鈥� I鈥檝e closely followed both the brothers鈥� solo projects.
With 鈥淎nyway You Love, We Know How You Feel,鈥� Chris Robinson, the former Black Crowes鈥� lead vocalist, fronts eight new tracks that combine the Southern rock of the Allman Brothers Band with the psychedelic flavorings of the Grateful Dead. This engaging blending results in a jam-oriented session drenched with an engaging mystic vibe.
鈥淣arcissus Soaking Wet鈥� comfortably opens the new set with a melodic ease that establishes the tone for what is to follow. 鈥淕onna have a good time when we get there,鈥� sings Robinson on 鈥淎in鈥檛 It Hard but Fair.鈥� The charismatic singer seeks a party but it鈥檚 a mellower version than previously found on classic Black Crowes鈥� tracks like 鈥淭wice as Hard鈥� and 鈥淕o Faster.鈥�
Hints of the alluring 鈥淪he Talks to Angels鈥� can be heard on the flowing 鈥淪ome Gardens Green,鈥� while 鈥淟eave My Guitar Alone鈥� displays some attitude with its rock and funk rhythms led by Robinson鈥檚 unmistakable bravado.
鈥淥ak Apple Day鈥� possesses a whimsical texture with a slight hippie nuance that finds Robinson asking listeners to relax their minds and chase the blues away.
The album closes on its highest note under the spiritual flair of 鈥淐alifornia Hymn.鈥� A pedal steel guitar leads the earthy number that contains the passion and sincerity of a small-town revival. While I鈥檓 still holding out for a Robinson brothers鈥� reunion, 鈥淎nyway You Love, We Know How You Feel鈥� adequately fills the void as it satisfyingly provides the familiar Robinson magic.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.