Astonishingly prolific – six studio albums and four live LPs in just eight years – the CRB rein in the exploratory feel of their recent work for something leader Chris Robinson describes as a “dream Saturday night set at the Fillmore”.
Opener Some Earthly Delights and Venus In Chrome still think outside the box, though; frothy 80s pop melodic top lines driven by vintage synths before Robinson’s classic-rock vocals anchor them to something earthier. The percussive Let It Fall returns us to soulful 70s itchy funk and the equally retro swagger of Rare Birds is similarly irresistible.
Stars Fell On California finds Robinson returning to his Black Crowes anthemic roots, and mid-tempo ballad The Chauffeur’s Daughter is finely honed country rock. The album’s a sunny delight.
8/10
Steve Harnell