Musical fads may come and go, but it seems like no matter what year, the hard-edged blues-boogie of the '70s (
the Rolling Stones,
AC/DC, etc.) will always serve as inspiration for a new generation of rockers. After all, the '80s saw the emergence of
the Black Crowes, the '90s saw
Lenny Kravitz, and in the early 21st century,
American Minor is following in the others' footsteps. Hailing from the Kanawha River Valley of southern West Virginia, the five-piece band is not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. Produced by one-time
Blind Melon bandmates Brad Smith and Christopher Thorn, the songs on
American Minor's self-titled, full-length debut prove to be not quite as hook heavy as the aforementioned retro acts. But the group has a more apparent hard rocking edge, which will appeal to the headbangers. Chockfull of bluesy leads and soulful vocals, organ also plays a prominent part in
American Minor's sound, as evidenced by such tracks as "Mr. Queen." But the best bits are when the boys crank the amp's up to ten -- on "Shine" and album opener "Walk On," quite possibly the album's best track. ~ Greg Prato