So enamored with the ‘70s he’s decided to revive the decade all on his own, Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson can certainly create a vibe by stitching together remnants of the past. Equal parts Santana, Stones, Allmans, and acoustic Zeppelin, Through a Crooked Sun meanders amiably even if the music is largely reflective, not cheerful. Like Paper, his 2004 debut, this is decidedly a players record, but where that album felt overstuffed with guitars, Through a Crooked Sun relies on textures, all unveiled at a measured, mature pace. Robinson is an affectless singer, something that undercuts the introspection of the lyrics, yet his music has color, alternating from extended interpolations of the back half of “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” to stark, ringing folk, all punctuated by Southern rockers that ramble instead of rush. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Rovi
ブラック・クロウズのギタリストによるソロ2作目は、南部ロックならではのレイドバックした空気が心地良い一枚。スワンプ・ロックっぽいところもあるが、それほど粘っこくはなく、穏やかなリッチのヴォーカルも含め、むしろ風通しの良さが魅力と言えそうだ。時折聴こえるクロウズっぽい節回しにもホロリとさせられ、表題通り濃厚な〈ブルース〉を堪能できる。日本盤にはEP『Llama Blues』(2011年)の4曲も収録。
bounce (C)山口智男
タワーレコード(vol.339(2011年12月25日発行号)掲載)