ALBUM REVIEW: Find a Light – Blackberry Smoke

The resurgence of classic rock and vintage, fuzzed-up guitars over the past decade has produced some wonderful bands over the last few years across the spectrum, from the straight up, 4/4 tempo of RIVAL SONS to the psychedelic workings of SCORPION CHILD and, in the last 12 months, the heavy blues of GRETA VAN FLEET. Holding the torch for the more country-laden strains are BLACKBERRY SMOKE, who are now in a position where they’re selling out sizeable tours across the country, playing prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and even snagging a high-profile spot on Later With Jools Holland. On Friday, the next chapter of their impressive career sees the, er, light of day with Find a Light, their seventh studio album released via 3 Legged Records and Earache.

Given their position in the softer end of rock, BLACKBERRY SMOKE are never going to be an act to deliver razor-sharp riffs and pounding drums on a regular basis. What they have in their arsenal instead is an astute ability to meticulously crafts songs that are easy on the ear, clever in structure and nicely paced. They also have the ability to throw in a huge chorus or two such as with lead single Flesh and Bone that will no doubt be a huge summer anthem in the months to come. Other highlights include the LYNYRD SKYNYRD vibes of Run Away From It All, the added gospel choir on the excellent I’ll Keep Ramblin’ and the ‘boogie rock’ feel of Nobody Gives a Damn.

What also adds to BLACKBERRY SMOKE‘s overall charm is they’re not afraid to bring things down in tone either. The emotionally lyrical I’ve Got This Song is a very touching number and the reflective nature of Let Me Down Easy is enhanced great by Amanda Shires on guest vocals, who provides a nice foil to the drawn out tones of Charlie Starr. It’s not perfect by any means though; Best Seat in the House and Seems So Far aren’t as exciting as the rest of the record and at thirteen songs long, one does wonder if it could have done with a bit of a trim despite the record clocking in around the hour mark.

When all is said and done however, Find a Light should please fans of BLACK STONE CHERRY, the gentler works of KID ROCK and even NICKELBACK and is the perfect soundtrack for a setting sun around a bonfire or a long drive down the highway. If you fancy a taste of the South and long for the summer, BLACKBERRY SMOKE have you sorted.

Rating: 7/10

Find A Light is out now via Earache Records.

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