It’s been a while since I’ve got an album that has beckoned to be cranked to 11, but the release of Baby 81 has ended that drought. After a brief stint grabbing Americana-type reviews and features with their last album, Howl, the Black Rebel boys come back rocking. From the opening track, “Took Out a Loan” its pretty obvious that this is going to be a different sort of album. Songs like this and others such as “Weapon of Choice” and “Need Some Air” make me glad there are still some bands out there making straight up rock and roll…and kicking ass for that matter.
Then there are the mid-tempo rockers like “Not What You Wanted” with reverse guitar galore and “Lien On Your Dreams” that beckons you to sing along. Even the evil-titled “666 Conducer” has a sing-songy chorus. A few of the songs have a “Zeppelin-esque” quality (especially the drums) and a number of the chord changes are rooted in standard blues. (Not unlike the “Lead Balloon.”) But hey, that’s how rock and roll is served best. (Don’t look for Robert Plant vocals though.)
Anyway, I think you’ve probably got my point by now…the album rocks. Rock and roll rocks… These guys also put on an awesome live show and I highly recommend them if they’re coming to your city.
www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.