By the time you read this Black Rock Road will have already released their debut EP to the masses via a CD release party at Rustlers with special guests We’re Doomed and Scotial Scene.
Members Gary Creelman (drums), Dave Wright (Vox/Guitar/bass), Alex MacDonald (Lead Guitar), and Ben Edwards (vox/guitar/bass) who all hail from Colchester County, are a breath of fresh air in a somewhat quiet local rock music scene. The band recorded their four-song EP with Kirsten Moore at Action Adventure Studios in Halifax who is also originally from Colchester. I had the opportunity to sit down with Ben Edwards recently and check out an advance copy of the EP.
Having seen this band several times, and worked with Ben as a producer on a couple singles, I really feel that Kirsten was able to capture a very honest sound for the band whose roots stem from the classic rock of yesteryear. Wright and Edwards shared song writing duties for the album and are represented with a pair of songs each.
The album kicks off with the Edwards penned “Breakin’ Out” which beckons hints of early Kiss mixed with Sam Roberts. It’s the type of song you could envision blasted from car stereos all summer long with its driving beat and a memorable chorus.
Having heard numerous songs from Ben, I can say that he is no stranger to writing a great hook and this song is no exception.
The lead guitar work on this song is fantastic, a theme consistent throughout the album as MacDonald is in fine form. On the second track, “East Coast”, Wright takes the mood down a notch with a more laid back bluesy number reminiscent of East Coast native Matt Mays.
Again MacDonald is all over this track with some great fret work! On the lead single from the EP, Brand New Low, Edwards strikes again with his trademark lyrical style twisting words that beg you to sing along. Closing out the album is “Leaving for Alberta” another subdued blues inspired number that has a bit of a Black Crows feel to it, where Wright touches on a familiar East Coast theme “Yeah I’m leaving for Alberta, but my heart is staying here with you”.
Overall the album makes you want to hit repeat, crack open a beer on a hot sunny afternoon and barbecue. There is an underlying feel good vibe surrounding the entire album, proving that rock and roll is alive and well. With just four tracks you can get a great picture of what this band is all about. Having been a fan of these guys for quite some time, I can honestly say that this four song EP is only a teaser of things to come.
If you are a fan of organic no frills rock and roll, do yourself a favor and grab this disc at www.blackrockroad.bandcamp.com and connect on their social media sites to keep up on these hard working musicians who I’m sure will appreciate your support.
You can catch Black Rock Road opening for Chaos Theory at Monte’s in Dartmouth for their CD release party on April 27. Yup that’s right, I dig them so much we asked them to share the stage with us on our biggest night. You can also catch Dave and Ben at The Thistle in New Glasgow on April 14 and 28.
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Rock Johnson is an independent recording artist, freelance writer and music enthusiast! www.rockjohnson.com.
