The Whippoorwill
The Whippoorwill brings country singing and substantial rock playing together without making either feel like an added extra. Blackberry Smoke use a familiar musical language, but their performance has enough character to give it a clear purpose. Charlie Starr's voice is central to that balance. His country twang has warmth as well as force, making the quieter songs matter alongside the riffs.
Six Ways to Sunday opens with a strong, rolling guitar sound. The rhythm section keeps the playing direct, giving the band room to sound relaxed without losing its drive. Leave a Scar has a more defiant character, with Starr's delivery providing a useful point of focus inside another forceful arrangement.
One Horse Town makes a different impression. Its picture of restricted small-town life gives the writing a human concern beyond the usual celebration of good times. The country melody suits Starr's voice, and the song does not need a bigger guitar sound to stand out. That combination of a direct melody and a recognisable concern gives the familiar form a personal character.
The title track also benefits from a gentler approach. Brandon Still's keyboards bring a soulful character to the arrangement, adding another side to the album's sound. Crimson Moon then restores the weight through a substantial riff, while Ain't Got the Blues offers a more easygoing setting and a welcome sense of humour. Shakin' Hands With the Holy Ghost supplies another convincing dose of guitar-led boogie.
There are limitations. Some phrases and attitudes are well worn, and the riffs occasionally make the band's influences too obvious. The record does more to sustain an established style than change it.
Yet the singing and the balance between the players usually make that familiarity enjoyable. The Whippoorwill works because its rock force leaves room for country melody and quieter feeling. Its strongest songs give the band something worth playing, rather than relying on the sound of the guitars alone.
