If the remarkable rise of Maryland-based, blues-infused boogie merchants Clutch has taught us anything, it’s that people still love to get down and dirty to an old school groove. County Cork’s Crow Black Chicken mightn’t be quite as heavy as Neil Fallon’s crew, but they’re definitely singing from a similar hymn-sheet. Steeped in southern rock and delta blues, the trio’s second album is a timeless affair which will find favour with those of you compelled by the power of the riff.
Opening with ‘Hang ‘Em High’, the harmonica adds some sizzle to proceedings and singer Christy O’Hanlon’s beefy, bourbon-soaked bellows are a joy to hear. Elsewhere, the title track is an entertaining, slinky, space-rock tinged romp and the soulful, saxophone-led ‘Black Man’s Gold’ boasts a blistering guitar solo. However, it’s the diabolically good, up-tempo ‘Sit With Satan’ that steals the show. Though some of the material suffers from sounding a little same-y (‘Priest Hunter’),Rumble Shake is played with power and precision – and more often than not rocks with the best of them.
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