THE BLACK CROWES: Happiness Bastards (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

In the series of stormy family relationships in the rock world, that of Chris and Rich Robinson could almost be compared to those of the Gallagher brothers (Oasis). However, at the end of 2019, on The Howard Stern Show, the two leaders of the Black Crowes announced the end of their conflict and the resolution of their disagreements after four years without speaking to each other. Unfortunately, the reformation tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the legendary “Shake Your Money Maker” was interrupted by the pandemic. But this twist of fate had the merit of proving that the Black Crows' comeback was solid, and this is validated by the release of a new album, fifteen years after the sublime “Before The Frost... Until The Freeze”.

Entitled “Happiness Bastards”, it sees the band's line-up greatly reshuffled, as bassist Sven Pipien is the only one to have agreed to return alongside the Robinson brothers. Comprising ten tracks and half an hour's worth of music, this new opus takes us back to the Atlanta band's early days. With the unstoppable groove for which the band is renowned, it's devastatingly effective and just as hard-hitting as ever. With its boogie touches worthy of the AC/DC of the “Powerage” era, the single 'Wanting And Willing' set the tone when it was launched as a scout, and it's far from being a false advertisement.

Here we find all the elements that have made up this unique recipe from the start, in which the influences are obvious but always fade behind an identity as assertive as that of its creators. The slide reminds us of the Southern origins of this unique band ('Bedside Manners'), but never confines the Black Crowes to Southern rock alone. AC/DC's hard-rock boogie ('Rats And Clowns'), blues-rock revisited by the Rolling Stones ('Dirty Cold Sun') or from their origins ('Bleed It Dry'), or bouncy British rock ('Flesh Wound') blend together for a unique and irresistible result. Each piece has its own characteristics, without any weak moments.

Energetic, catchy, hard-hitting and refreshing, “Happiness Bastards” is a resounding return to the throne of the Black Crowes. A veritable journey to the heart of a rock genre as varied as it is branded by the strong identity of its authors, this collection of ten nuggets bears witness to the rebirth and creativity of a unique band that is unlikely to leave much room for the competition if internal conflicts don't come back to interrupt its undivided reign. - Official website

THE BLACK CROWES

HAPPINESS BASTARDS

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK