In The Aftermath
Mascot Label Group/Cool Green, 2022
8/10
Who doesn’t love a good covers album? Well, if you do, and you also like The Rolling Stones, then Hollis Brown have quite the record for you here, where they interpret the first album of original material from The Stones.
“Paint It Black” starts the listen with an intially spacey and then warm version of the classic that thumps just as firm as you’d expect, and “Stupid Girl” follows with driving melodies, bright vocals and a timeless energy.
Elsewhere, the strategic keys of “Under My Thumb” help make for a rhythmic version that was previously done best by Social Distortion, while “Think” gets a bit breezy with a hint of classic rock. “High And Dry” then recruits harmonica for the country spirited album highlight that will get anyone dancing on the nearest porch.
Arriving near the end, the gritty rocker “It’s Not Easy” is both rugged and melodic, and “Goin’ Home” exits the listen with plenty of southern flavor mixed into the soulful, bluesy and loose delivery.
The exceptional slide guitar and harmonica moments really add much to the listen, and Hollis Brown certainly do justice to the legendary album with their own brand of Americana and lively rock’n’roll. Even for someone like myself who is hardly a fan of The Stones, this is an excellent experience.
Travels well with: Patrick Sweany- Close To The Floor; Jesse Malin- Outsiders