H R H - R E V I E W S

Blackline
Blackline Yellow Matters Records

Comments: What the hell is the matter with a good ole’ fashion rock n’ roll band? If you remotely identify with that last comment, in the world of dozens of different genres in rock and metal, then Blackline is here to save the day. This Boston, Mass. based hard rock band is all about melodies but manage to make it hard enough for metal heads to want to pay attention.

The band they sound the most like is the Jim Matheos project OSI, which is pretty heady company. The record is short at only 40 minutes long and consists of cool, well written tracks that call for toe tapping and beer guzzling. OK, ale guzzling to be more precise. They have songs that could be played on popular rock radio stations across the country and really are perfect for fans of rock or metal. They all are ideal for singing along and this record flows very well from start to finish.

The only negative is that the songs do not stand out but seem to blend together in a 40-minute jam band amalgamation. But that fact can be spinned into an advantage by simply putting this disc in when going for a drive. Surely you will get to your destination in a good mood and wondering how you got there so fast.

As for specifics, the lead singer Steven Slate is blessed with a tremendous range, sounding much like Eddie Vedder on the track “The Sands” one minute and almost as deep as Chris Cornell the next on “Run.” The guitars of Ross Pitto slam and soar but always stay focused on delivering the perfect melody to make the song whole. The drums of Jerry Lyons are spirited and motivational throughout especially on the first cut “Through It.”

The best cut is probably the slow, deliberate, take it easy track “Open” where the guitars pound hard on the chorus but chill the rest of the way. Another contender is “Repent,” where a tiny riff is sung over by the amazing voice of Slate in an early ‘90s style. Bass played by Lance Cauzey is highlighted on “Superone” and sounds a bit like Perfect Circle here. Besides singing his ass off, Slate also produced this album, an the production quality is impeccable.

The truth is, if this band does not become popular, then talent has nothing to do with the formula.

Band Members:
Ross Pitto – Guitars
Lance Cauzey – Bass
Jerry Lyons – Drums
Steven Slate – Vocals

Track listing:
Through It
Open
Armageddon Soul
Repent
Superone
The Sands
Run
Knees
Battlecase
Why
Wherever

HRH Rating: 8/10

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