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Diamond Dogs: Black River Road (Reissue)

Diamond Dogs: Black River Road

Blues/Melodic Rock
Rating: 5.0/5.0

Smilodon Records
www.myspace.com/diamonddogssweden
Review: Craig Hartranft,  08.02.2009

Smilodon Records reissues a classic Diamond Dogs album from 2004. On Black River Road, Vocalist Sulo and compatriot Bobby Lee Fett bring us some roots rich classic rock of unequalled caliber. A momentary glance at the cover of Black River Road betrays the musical heritage and well from where Sulo draws from: 60's and 70's, and probably not much later, blues rich, horn spiced rock and roll. Diamond Dogs put their Brit and American cousins to shame on Black River Road as they meld crafty blues piano and guitar with accents of horns with Sulo's vocals carrying the whole mixture; this is a some Black Crowes and Rolling Stones with maybe some early Bowie and Mott the Hoople (and probably a whole lot more). It's a tasty mix which is soundly and unapologetically derivative and boldly fresh.

Throughout Black River Road, I was amazed at Sulo's vocal performance sounding rowdy and raw in moments (Come Away or Things You'll Never Ever Gonna Wanna Do) and then earthy and maliciously persuasive (Rush for Comfort). Horns brighten and accent numerous songs with kudos to Autopilot and Stand Up Speak Louder. The overall style is sharpened blues-based rock with interesting turns to early Brit pop on Black River Road and early 70's Americana on Spare Me The Last Joke. Simply, Black River Road has not a single dull moment being equally creative and engaging from beginning to end.

If you dig roots blues rock circa 60's and 70's UK and America, you will love Diamond Dog's ambitious and riveting Black River Road. Currently there are very few bands, whether from America, Britain or Europe, that can perform this music with the authenticity and acumen of Diamond Dogs. Highly recommended!

In Short

If you dig roots blues rock circa 60's and 70's UK and America, you will love Diamond Dog's ambitious and riveting Black River Road. Currently there are very few bands, whether from America, Britain or Europe, that can perform this music with the authenticity and acumen of Diamond Dogs.

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