Heavy Rock
Independent Release
Release Date – February 2nd, 2024
Line Up:
Tristan Thomas – Vocals/Guitar
Jordan Evans – Bass/Backing Vocals
Perry Davies – Drums/Backing Vocals
Tracklist:
1 – Start Again
2 – Don’t Hold Me Down
3 – Bed Of Nails
4 – Taxman
5 – Look Up
6 – Warning Sign
7 – Beautiful Lover
8 – The Way Home
9 – Solid 9
10 – Rockin’ Ring
11 – The Forest
12 – Back To The End
Florence Black returns with an explosive blast, marking one of the most eagerly awaited records of 2024. The mere fact that this gem was slated for release late last year only fueled the anticipation further. Having witnessed their electrifying live performances multiple times, I can emphatically attest that these guys are the genuine article, poised to catapult into the stratosphere.
A tempestuous guitar line kicks ‘Start Again’ into high gear, as Tristan Thomas crushes his gain pedal, propelling them into a colossal realm of blues-infused heavy rock, adorned with a monumental vocal melody. Thomas seamlessly oscillates between crooning and roaring, crafting a perfect fusion of soul, rock, and metal. ‘Don’t Hold Me Down’ builds on this momentum, featuring a sinuous riff during the verses that crescendos into yet another colossal melodic chorus. The title track injects a modern edge with a tight, furious riff and stellar harmonies, while Jordan Evans pounds his trusty Thunderbird, delivering a seismic groove. ‘Taxman’ emerges as a raucous anthem, flaunting a splendid ‘wah-wah’ solo, and ‘Look Up’ unfolds as a steady southern rocker with a catchiness rivaling the common cold.
The acoustic delicately emerges for the power ballad ‘Warning Sign,’ an irresistible earworm destined for chart-topping success. ‘Beautiful Lover’ follows suit as a contemporary, mid-paced rocker, leading into the scorching and punchy ‘The Way Home,’ before the arena-sized groove of ‘Solid 9’ takes center stage. The journey takes a haunting turn with the heavy psych-rock of ‘Rockin’ Ring,’ followed by a folksy sing-along in ‘The Forest,’ and concludes with the final melodic rock masterpiece, ‘Back To The End.’
Florence Black transcends genres with unparalleled finesse. Whether you crave heavy metal with gruff vocals, groovy party rock, southern rock ‘n’ roll, or folky acoustic ballads – they deliver it all, and at a world-class level. Tristan Thomas, the maestro of riffs, effortlessly blazes, solos, and fills with the best of them. His vocal prowess spans aggression, masculinity, and soulfulness. Let’s not overlook the rhythmic dynamo of Jordan Evans and Perry Davies – tighter than a duck’s butt. Evans provides a seismic bottom end, sharing the spotlight with Thomas, while Davies is a drumming powerhouse, keeping it real behind the kit. Dismissing the notion of a difficult second album – this is bound to be a timeless classic! Breathtaking, exceptional, phenomenal – add your own superlative, because I’ve run out.
Written by: Smudge
Ratings: 10/10
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