by Brian D. Holland.

The Black Crowes have finally gotten around to releasing Warpaint, their first studio effort in seven years. It has certainly been a rocky road for the brothers Robinson, and for the other band members throughout each interval along the path as well. However, let’s talk about the music here, as their member instability issues and internal problems can be read just about anywhere else.

Warpaint is a theme album of sorts, though one we’ve come to familiarize ourselves with over the years. The music is earthy and traditional in a few ways, and most of it is barebones integrity. This is a good sign, as the over-the-top, heavy on volume and effects method in which the last few studio albums were made has been put aside for the former sound that had put them on the map originally. The theme is a gritty, southern ambiance, very American in purity and conventionality, and it takes the listener back to a simpler yet more rugged time. Titles such as “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution,” “There’s Gold in Them Hills,” and “Whoa Mule” attest to that in title alone.

The first song from the album to garner radio airplay, “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution,” gets the groove started immediately. The ideal Crowes rocker has a familiar sound to it. Chris Robinson gets right into his signature vocal act, very early Rod Stewart in sound and mannerism. New guitarist Luther Dickenson (formerly of North Mississippi Allstars and DDT) adds slide to the composition, to most of the album as well. “Walk Believer Walk” begins with a few crunchy notes that chug along sluggishly, a recognizable introduction as well. Rich Robinson digs around in the low register in this rugged and punchy song, while Dickenson plays more slide.

Though the two songs that begin the CD are done in a memorable Crowes fashion, the one significant departure from the first three Crowes albums, the ones that are arguably their best to date, is that the best music on Warpaint essentially begins at the third track. Though it picks up and strengthens near the song’s end, “Oh Josephine” is basically a mellow song in a Faces or Stones vein, containing a laid back ambiance. Songs of this nature are welcomed additions to any Crowes album, as the smooth and melodious feel is just as much a part of the Crowes bag o’ tricks as the potent rockers. “Locust Street” is another in this mode, flavored with a sweet mandolin arpeggio amid a memorable acoustic melody.

Both Rich Robinson and Luther Dickenson get into rich sonic textures in “Evergreen,” a pleasant rocker highlighted with smooth flowing rhythm guitar and funky lead phrasing. Given that a gospel nuance has been scattered throughout many Crowes songs in the past, “Movin’ On Down The Line” stays true to that essence. Chris begins it with “It’s alright sisters; it’s alright brothers,” repeated dreamily amid an appealing melody.

An interesting element within Black Crowes albums considered their best is the diversity of the songs, the earthy and pragmatic air they exert as well. Of course these elements aren’t always perceived until one gets used to hearing them for a while. Though Warpaint has this potential, and it is the type of album that takes time to grow and embed itself into a listener’s mind, it possesses a lot of the same characteristics that made their first three albums classics. Like Shake Your Money Maker, Southern Harmony and Amorica before it, Warpaint shines with shades of variety. Scattered among potent rock songs, those with a ‘70s revivalist ambiance as well as a southern funk and gospel groove, sit mellow and melodic pleasantries. Throughout personnel changes too numerous and cumbersome to mention, the fact still remains that the band’s style is the brain child of the brothers Robinson. The sound of The Black Crowes was their baby in the beginning, and it still is now, no matter who's deemed worthy enough to be considered a member of the band. It appears their back on track with Warpaint. And although it’s their first record in seven years, it’s actually their best in fourteen, since 1994’s Amorica.

Warpaint Track Listing

1. Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution
2. Walk Believer Walk
3. Oh Josephine
4. Evergreen
5. Wee Who See the Deep
6. Locust Street
7. Movin’ On Down the Line
8. Wounded Bird
9. God’s Got It
10. There’s Gold In Them Hills
11. Whoa Mule

Label: Silver Arrow

Release date: March 3, 2008

Links:
The Black Crowes
Purchase Warpaint on Amazon