BLACKBERRY SMOKE: Be Right Here (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Among the up-and-coming stars of southern-rock, the competition is fierce. Just when it seemed that Blackberry Smoke had firmly established itself at the top with "You Hear Georgia", its main rivals hit back with some first-rate work. Whether it was Whiskey Myers with the formidable "Tornillo", or Robert Jon & The Wreck with the luminous "Ride Into The Light", the Atlanta quintet's compatriots set the bar high. With the Black Crowes also just hitting their stride on their comeback, Charlie Starr and his band have no room for error.

And yet, no pressure seems to be apparent on the response entitled "Be Right Here", released at the start of 2024. Strongly imbued with the Georgian combo's country influences, this new opus alternates relaxed, mid-tempo pieces with a few more agitated tracks that wouldn't go amiss at a typically American party. The problem is that what is acceptable from a folk band playing at dances in the US is insufficient to meet the expectations of a band of Blackberry Smoke's stature. If 'Like It Was Yesterday' or 'Don't Mind If I Do' remain tracks with a high sympathy capital, they are far from the heights reached on the previous 2021 opus.

But it's not for nothing that legends such as Warren Haynes have endorsed this band, because they have a strong identity and a talent for carving out some finely chiselled pieces. On "Be Right Here", there are four of them. Dig A Hole' kicks things off with its chanted chorus, kicking up dust under the sweltering sun and destined to become another Southern anthem. 'Azalea' brings a touch of delicacy and light-hearted emotion to a series of tracks that are only mildly enjoyable. 'Whatcha Know Good' seems disillusioned, but is illuminated by slide and a haunting chorus. Finally, 'Other Side Of The Light' recalls the regional link with the Allman Brothers Band, as the guitar harmonies resurrect the Duane Allman / Dickey Betts pair.

If these tracks aren't enough to make a major album, they do prevent Blackberry Smoke from completely missing the point. There remains, however, the uncomfortable sensation that "Be Right Here" takes no risks and remains so traditional as to sound lazy. If they don't want to risk losing too much ground to the rest of the pack, the quintet will have to come up with something spicier on their next record release, because the quality of the Georgians' live performances won't be enough. - Official website

BLACKBERRY SMOKE

BE RIGHT HERE

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK