Black Stone Cherry – The Human Condition
October 30, 2020 via Mascot Records
I’ve been a fan of Black Stone Cherry’s sound since I first laid ears on their 2006 debut eponymous album. Since then they have been putting out high quality studio albums and EP’s to keep even the most anxious fan happy. In fact, this is the band’s fifth release since 2016.
I guess to put it simply.. I just like the way these guys make records.
The powerful vocals of Chris Robertson sit out front, right where they should be. And they are as powerful as ever. The guitars of Robertson and Ben Wells do that thing that they do on every BSC record. They go left to right in the mix and seemingly fill the entire spectrum with their unmistakable tone.
Rhythm section-wise, bassist Jon Lawhon lays down the thumping low end while drummer John Fred Young manages to not overshadow the musical explosion happening in front of him while never getting lost in the final mix. Honestly, I listen to a song like ‘Push Down & Turn’ and make the stank face with amazement. It’s like this on every song on ‘The Human Condition’.
I chose a song like ‘Push Down & Turn’ as a spotlight track because it really gives you a sense of what the band not only has to offer but a song that knows how to rock f*ck out.
When Ben Wells and I spoke nearly a year ago we talked about the songwriting process of the band and how each member brings their own special talent to the group that really shapes how the final product turns out.
Each musician showcases their talents once again during the course of the song. Robertson’s God-given vocal tone drives the song but when he goes into a spacy double track vocals, it seems to lift me to another level. There are plenty of guitar fills and stellar riffs and some alternate tunings that make the lows seem that much lower. I love a great melodic bassline and this song has a sinister bassline lurking under it all. And if drum fills are your thing.. oh just wait until the end. You’ll love it.
Go do yourself a favor and get a pair of nice headphones, put on this song and turn it up. You can thank me later.
-Tommy Marz
You can follow Tommy on Twitter and let him know what you think.
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