Warpaint

The Black Crows: a noticeable track in the music history

Reunion of old bands is not a new phenomenon, therefore that fact that The Black Crows decided to hit the strings again doesn't look like something sensational. It is quite consistent and even predictable move for those who once had an honor to be called the most rock'n'roll band in the world. Of course, The Black Crows never were as popular as some of their colleagues from blues-rock workshop but they still managed to leave some impressive tracks in the history of rock music. The early songs and albums of The Black Crows used to get into the rock classics lists almost immediately after their release; however, it couldn't prevent the band from splitting in 2002. The reasons, as is the custom, lie in the relationships within the band or to put it more precise in the relationships of Robison brothers who actually are that very driving force of the band. So, after seven years of silence The Black Crows decided to prove everyone that they still remember what real rock'n'roll means.

Warpaint is rich with diverse arrangements

Blues oriented hard rock is something nobody can quit playing. Once you have started doing it you know that you will stay with it until your last days. And of course, The Black Crows is no exception. On Warpaint the band exploits the same set of influences they always had by placing their music within the borders defined by Lynyard Skinyard, Creedence Clearwater Revival and other bands of this kind. However, everything is not that easy. Taking a closer look it becomes clear that The Black Crows' style is taking its own niche. It is a little heavier here and a little bit darker there; it has a little bit more of artistry and a little bit more of odd hippie mysticism. Yes, it's all about blues-rock but the general palette always looks more colorful than classic images this genre usually offers. Warpaint is rich with some pretty diverse arrangements that sound not only masterly but also really passionately, which, in its turn, gives an opportunity to make a fully positive prognosis about this band's future.

A sign of real professionals

The album starts off pretty strong. The first three tracks are worthy of being put into The Black Crows' best of compilation. They successfully reflect a range of the band's capabilities. Goodbye Daughters Of The Revolution, for instance, is a pretty spry song with a whole bunch of diverse parties, which blend with each other into a fussy but at the same time balanced composition. Walk Believer Walk, in its turn, is based on classic blues rules. A slow pacing tempo, viscid solos that repeat vocal melody from time to time and things alike. However, it doesn't make you feel bored or think about other songs of this type. As it was mentioned above, The Black Crows' melodies carry something really roomy and sincere. Oh Josephine is definitely one of the best songs of Warpaint. This is a pretty long ballad where the musicians keep on blending hard rock air with bluesy guitar. Giving estimation to Warpaint as a whole album one can fearlessly say that it has successfully coped with its task. The album will definitely help the band to get back on a big scene. Of course, the album is not faultless; it won't be a problem to find some drawbacks here if you really want it, but it all concerns listener's personal tastes. Don't forget that The Black Crows work in pretty narrow stylistic borders. And that fact that they manage to support hard rock, to unfold some tiny but new sides of this genre deserves deep respect. This is a sign of real professionals.