The debut from rock supergroup Black Country Communion is a slick collection of songs, hewn from classic rock origins. The outfit comprises ‘Voice Of Rock’ Glenn Hughes, guitar virtuso Joe Bonamassa, celebrated skinsman Jason Bonham and keyboardist to the legends Derek Sherinan. Given the eye-watering level of combined talent and potential for one-upmanship the result is a strikingly democratic affair.
Glenn steps aside to give Joe the mic for ‘Song Of Yesterday’ and ‘The Revolution In Me’. The latter’s soulful, smooth vocal compliments Hughes’ powerful holler impeccably. No wanky noodling from axe-man Bonamassa either.
Opener ‘Black Country’ is an immediate draw with its bouncing bass and interweaving layers of sonic mayhem. Hendrix-esque licks open ‘Beggarman’ which then morphs into a bawdy blues-rock affair and ‘Down Again’ nods to Sabbath and Zeppelin yet also echoes Muse.
‘Song Of Yesterday’ contrasts lilting strings and flute with crunching rock riffs. And ‘Medusa’ (a song by Hughes’ former outfit Trapeze) is part soulful ballad, part grunge epic.
Complete with sterling production work by Kevin Shirley, Black Country is an ambitious affair, ably executed by four seasoned musicians. Rawk on!

Key Track: ‘Black Country’