With their guitarists cranking out big, juicy riffs and a singer exuding a hip-shaking swagger,
Sugar Mountain embody the loose, brash rock & roll sound popularized by
the Rolling Stones and
Faces in the '60s and '70s and revived more recently by
the Black Crowes and
Jet. The big difference about
Sugar Mountain is that they hail from Spain. However, one of this disc's more impressive qualities is that there's little inkling about these guys' Spanish origins. Javier Ruano sings without a particularly pronounced accent. It's slightly detectable on the rare quiet moments and their
Kinks "Picture Book" cover. But on their numerous raucous tunes, he frequently sounds like a more robust
Keith Richards with a bit of
Mick Jagger sass thrown in. And while their English lyrics might not be the most profound, profundity isn't a necessity when the band rocks so convincingly. Guitarists Ruano and Yago Carreño's powerful riff-work demonstrates that they did a great job digesting early
Stones albums. Drummer José Salgado and percussionist Nestor Busquets create a pounding beat; they even clang a cowbell. The band also utilizes organ and keyboards to add extra layer of greasy soul. David Vazquez's honky tonk piano enlivens the twangy "Good Thing's Gone." While there isn't one breakout song, the disc is constantly strong. The album's middle section, from "Downhearted Girl" through "You Can't Hide," particularly engages the listener. But select any album track -- from the wall-rattling classic rocker "Queen of the Blues" to the more subdued "Running Around" -- and you'll find something enjoyable to listen to. Producer
Eric Ambel (
Del Lords,
Yayhoos) lends his expert blue-collar rock touch, and occasional guitar playing, to the proceedings. Although
Sugar Mountain might still be searching for their own unique sound, they do an excellent job of mining the masters to create a wonderfully entertaining slice of spirited, no-frills rock & roll. ~ Michael Berick