This Nashville based old style rock and roll band lays down a heavy metal groove that reaches back to the 70's influences as well as keeping a foothold in the present variety of hard rock. They follow a path that seems to have to do with the word Black in the band name. Sounding reminiscent of classic Black Crowes with a bit of Black Country Communion and a twist of Black Stone Cherry thrown in for good measure, this is a disc of extremely good rock and roll that while not earth shattering by any means, will satisfy those cravings for music that has the hooky chorus you can sing along with and enough metal to keep the head bobbing.
This 6 song EP showcases the band in a way that makes you think you are at the bar on Saturday night and it is starting to get late and your buddy leans over and says, "Hold my beer and watch this." It is the kind of music that could easily be the soundtrack to so many kinds of alcohol fueled debauchery. With the kind of sleazy attitude of a Buckcherry, Black Water James is just a good time party band with some terrific riffs and a talent for songs that you want to learn the lyrics just to practice your own rock star vocal ability. It is the kind of dirty rock and roll that your mamma warned you about and that is enough of a reason to own the disc alone.
Starting out with the song "Blackheart" the bluesy rock with a bit of a funky groove will have you cracking up the volume as you are engulfed with this old style music that is like electrodes attached directly to the central nervous system. From there they hit you with the anthem like "Burn This City Down" which is a concert fist pumper for sure before they give a real Black Crowes moment with the song "Closer To Free" that is highlighted by the guitar playing of Deanna Passarella. Yes, they have a female axeperson who really holds her own on this rock and roll feast.
This is a band that has all the tools to make it and it will depend on the fickle nature of the business if they get the break needed. I cannot find any song on this disc that doesn't make me want to turn it up and enjoy the timeless heavy metal that they have produced. I can find many a reason to play this one and you will too. It is just a good dose of what you listen to this type of music for in the first place. Now we can only hope that they can sustain it over the course of a full length CD.
Track listing:
1. Blackheart
2. Burn This City Down
3. Closer To Free
4. Come On
5. Feel Your Way
6. Set It Off
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