Lions Roaring In Quicksand
Steele, 2023
8/10
Listen to Lions Roaring In Quicksand
The world renowned guitar maker and player Paul Reed Smith brings his band, Eightlock, to these groove filled and rootsy ideas that spans 14 well thought out songs.
The thick and dynamic “Sarah” begins the listen with thumping drums alongside Mia Samone’s soulful pipes in the flowing climate, and “Never Give Up On Livin’” follows with the expressive singing matched by Benjie Perecki’s well timed organ, where both grit and melody are present.
Closer to the middle, “Breathe” is a more intimate moment that benefits from Samone’s powerful pipes and dreamy backing vocals, while “Phoenix In My Blood” is a rhythmic album highlight that’s both rich and cautious.
Near to the end, “Echoes” showcases funky bass lines and a stylish, R&B demeanor, and “99” exits with crisp drums, lively bass, swirling guitars and diverse singing for a uniquely collaborative finish.
The musicians present are top notch, and the songs are fleshed out with a nice balance of friskiness and intricacy, where few genres are off limits. The inclusion of 3 drummers, 3 guitar players, a bassist and singer sure does make for a memorable experience, and this debut from Eightlock certainly leaves an impression.
Travels well with: Randy Lee Riviere- Blues Sky; Jason Ricci And The Bad Kind- Behind The Veil