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CROWSAW
Smoke & Feathers

Self-released (2014)
Rating: 8/10

Well, it’s nice to hear a slice of blues-influenced contemporary rock that doesn’t labour. British trio Crowsaw formed back in 2012, vocalist / guitarist Rob “Batdog” Lomax originally starting the band to perform cover versions.

Thankfully though, the band began to express their talent in 2013 by writing their own material. It’s a move one can only admire, because as debut albums go this is a cracker.

If you like hard-edged grooves, fluent riffs, effortlessly soulful vocals and solid drumming, then why not spend some of your hard-earned money on this lil’ beauty? Crowsaw also consists of drummer Elvin Robinson and bassist Glyn Mason, and it’s clear as ‘Skin & Bones’ swaggers from the stereo that this is a cohesive unit who sound as if they’ve been playing together for years. It’s cool, hip and weighty, but it drifts on the breeze at the same time.

Initially ‘Skin & Bones’ chugs into the room like Corrosion Of Conformity at their bluesiest, but then the track becomes a fluid stomper featuring that sturdy percussive backbone and a trickle of Cream and Deep Purple. The solos are assured as they accompany the rattling bass and equally convincing drums, and so the track is a perfect way for the band to enter the arena.

Next up is the riveting swagger of ‘Money’, as Lomax asks, “Are you gonna be what you say you will? Are you gonna rise for me?” over a gallop of drums and guitar. ‘Money’ is funky, sharp and groovy, and an ideal follow up to ‘Skin & Bones’.

With the third track, Crowsaw strut into the title cut. The pace is dropped as we’re treated to a creeping chug before the uptempo groove of the chorus. It’s all so nice on the ears; the combo creates a number of instantly catchy numbers, whether in the form of the Cream / Jimi Hendrix-styled fire of ‘Voodoo Temptation’, or the bass plod of ‘Blues Bitch’ with its shuffling drum and the cool kick of ‘Dog Of Nine’ with its funk jolt.

Smoke & Feathers is a record you can warm to instantly. While not an entirely “heavy metal” record, it contains enough weight, soul and fire which are qualities that pour from the ten well-written songs on offer. Musically the album remains interesting throughout, and there is some truly fascinating segments that maintain a hot smokin’ groove. The aforementioned ‘Dog Of Nine’ is a fine example of how a band can indulge in experimentation without alienating the listener. And with the upbeat ‘JFY’ finishing the album off in fine style, it’s fair to say that Crowsaw are a talented bunch of musicians. If you don’t like them, well, just funk you!

Neil Arnold

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