Cincinnati CityBeat : 08/02/2006 : Short Takes

Black Stone Cherry -- Black Stone Cherry

From a dry county buried in rural Kentucky, Black Stone Cherry comes roaring into town like a herd of Harleys. The band members are all still in their 20s, but on their self-titled debut they already sound like grizzled old pros, purveyors of 200-proof, pure-grain Kentucky biker Metal and wise beyond their years. Avoiding clichés is tricky business for Metal bands. Black Stone Cherry proudly parades the obligatory denim, hair, tattoos, snarling vocals, Les Pauls, Marshall stacks and wah-wah pedals. What sets them apart is great songs, vocal harmonies and melodic gifts well beyond what one might expect. Much like how the boogie-boosted AC/DC and vintage Van Halen soared above the rest of the Hair Metal crap of their time, Black Stone Cherry's Southern influences and great tunes elevate them miles above the fray. Steadily building up a powerful head of steam for the first half, the record kicks into high gear with the super-catchy anthem "Hell and High Water." This is one I can't stop listening to 'cause it makes me feel like a teenager again. Fuckin' A. (Ric Hickey) Grade: A

Shake It Records -- Click here to buy

Previously in Short Takes

Short Takes THOM YORKE -- THE ERASER (XL RECORDINGS) Edited By Mike Breen (July 26, 2006)
Short Takes TOM PETTY -- HIGHWAY COMPANION (AMERICAN) Edited By Mike Breen (July 26, 2006)
Short Takes STEVEN BERNSTEIN'S MILLENNIAL TERRITORY ORCHESTRA -- M.T.O. VOLUME 1 (SUNNYSIDE) Edited By Mike Breen (July 26, 2006)
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