RHR – Mahogany Drift Review

182 shares Facebook182 Twitter LinkedIn Email A master class in Southern Blues-Rock. Released by: Taller Records Release Date: November 1, 2018 Genre: Southern Rock, Americana, Blues-rock Links:  www.facebook.com/RedfernHutchinsonRoss Line Up: Troy...

A master class in Southern Blues-Rock.

Released by: Taller Records

Release Date: November 1, 2018

Genre: Southern Rock, Americana, Blues-rock

Links:  www.facebook.com/RedfernHutchinsonRoss

Line Up:

Troy Redfern: Guitar & vocal
Jack Hutchinson: Guitar & Vocal
Mike Ross: Guitar & Vocal
Darren Lee: Drums
Jack Browning: Bass

Tracklist: 

  1. She Painted The Moon (Ross)
  2. Rapture (Hutchinson)
  3. Home On Judgement Day (Redfern)
  4. Mahogany (RHR)
  5. Ghost Hound Rider (Ross)
  6. Satisfied (Redfern)
  7. Solemn Song (Hutchinson)
  8. Drift (RHR)
  9. Holler (Hutchinson)
  10. Leviathan (Ross)
  11. Miles Away (Redfern)

Featuring a triple guitar-frontman line-up consisting of Troy Redfern, Jack J Hutchinson, and Mike Ross, RHR is a new collaboration which mixes elements of Americana, southern rock and blues, and is rounded out by Jack Browning on bass and Darren Lee on the drums. Jack J Hutchinson joins the band on the back of an international tour and chart success for his latest album Paint No Fiction. The London-based singer-songwriter and guitarist has been described by Classic Rock Magazine as “southern-smoked blues-rock with hooks, choruses, the lot,” and when you hear this talented musician perform, you quickly understand why. Mike Ross, referred to by Mojo Magazine as “fuzzed up, fierce, and full-frontal fiery attack coupled with sexy, smooth slidin’, southern soul,” is known for his Americana inspired sound. And finally Troy Redfern brings gritty and intense indie blues passion to the mix, which Blues in Britain calls, “physical, engaging and emotive.” Together this trio has crafted what can only described as a masterclass in southern blues-rock.

“She Painted The Moon” stages a psychedelic opening that would make Hendirx proud, before breaking down into a T-Rex style heavy blues strut that will make you want to swagger about. Followed by “Rapture” which features cowbell driven southern rock at its finest, this radio ready track will definitely be a crowd pleaser. One of the standout tracks on the album, Hutchinson comments that the song, “was written at 4am in a random hotel in the middle of Spain when I was on tour. It’s about a girl who is trouble and a guy who can’t seem to let go. Is it autobiographical? I think we’ve all been there from time to time.” “Home On Judgement Day” opens with a melancholy melody offset by military style snare, which builds into duelling acoustic guitars which set a dark vibe against Redfern’s haunting vocals. A moody and atmospheric song, Redfern states that it’s a song about “half remembered feelings and images from a childhood steeped in religion, especially the apocalyptic narratives of the book of revelation. All this set against a silhouette of resonator guitars, old timey mountain riffs and a dark southern vibe.”

Title track “Mahogany” is one of two instrumental tracks on the album, along with “Drift”. While “Mahogany”, conjures images of the more bluesy offerings of the Doors, “Drift” breaks down into a modern contemporary blues-rock sound that reminds me of the likes of Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. “Ghost Hound Rider” is pure classic rock with a psychedelic southern twist, and wouldn’t sound out of place alongside Blackberry Smoke’s greatest hits. Commenting on the song, Ross added, “I was thinking about magic buses, about Robert Johnson’s body being buried out by Highway 61 so his spirit could grab a Greyhound and ride. Reflecting on Skydog Allman’s swooping soaring slide and George Harrison’s biting solo signature. I reminisce over gospel tambourines and sparkling, lucid acid dreams of outlaw gangs on chrome-finned hogs in hippie finery and mirror shades. This ghost hound rider’s ALIVE!” With a dark and gritty rhythm, and distorted vocals, “Satisfied” thunders its way through, leaving the band pounding on the walls with this grungy rock anthem.

“Solemn Song” opens with a bright, clean guitar, before breaking into a country-waltz inspired ballad that really allows Hutchinson’s vocals to take centre stage. “Holler” features sweet southern harmonies and layered guitar, which instantly takes you back to the early days of Lynyrd Skynrd. It’s a sweet, summer radio song, and will sound perfect cranked up to 11. “Leviathan” is rooted in deep, dark Delta Blues, and is truly the standout track on the album for me. With echoes of classic Americana, the slide work on the guitar is simply superb. With its stripped back, evocative melody, Ross’s vocals cut through this song like a knife to the heart. This dark and moody song is going to be stunning live. And finally, finishing off the album is “Miles Away” which is another song ready for the radio. This feel-good song has an infectious vibe that you simply cannot ignore, and will leave you wanting for more.

Mahogany is such a tight and expertly executed album, that it is hard to believe these guys haven’t been playing together all their life. The chemistry is palpable from song to song, and their varying styles and influences meld together to create something special. If that wasn’t enough, the album was recorded in just two days, with producer Al Scott at Brighton Electric Studios. Featuring excellent production values, clear, crisp recording, and an absolutely plush sound, this is a faultless album. If you are a fan of the Black Crowes, Blackberry Smoke, Gov’t Mule, Lynyrd Skynrd, Walter Trout, Black Country Communion, and / or T-Rex, then you are in for an absolute treat. I cannot recommend this album enough.

Ratings: 10/10

Written by: Erik De’Viking

My Global Mind – Reviewer / Music Journalist

Erik De’Viking is a freelance music journalist based in the South of England. His musical interests include rock and metal in all its forms, and he is constantly on the lookout for new bands and genres to discover and later preach about to the masses.

Socials: Twitter: @Erik_DeViking Instagram: @Erik_DeViking Last.FM: @Erik_DeViking Spotify: Erik De’Viking

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