Big Moon Ritual

Former Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson has enjoyed mixed success since the oft-troubled Southern Rock stalwarts went on an extended hiatus at the end their 20th anniversary tour in 2010. His new project explores a more personal take on the genre and the band includes Neal Casal, ex-Ryan Adams Cardinals, who adds some tasty guitar work. It’s all good, solid stuff, firmly rooted in the heyday of Southern rock of the ‘70s, when the likes of Greg Allman reigned supreme. Robinson’s soulful vocal chops are heard to good effect on cuts like ‘Rosalee’, ‘Tomorrow Blues’ and the extended jam that is ‘Tulsa Yesterday’ which clocks in at the 12-minute mark. Lyrically, it’s chock full of Southern clichés (lots of being “out on the road” and “crossing State lines” etc.). But the playing is of such a high calibre and the songs so strong that this might well be the surprise hit of 2012.