Since releasing one full length album in June (Big Moon Ritual, reviewed here), former Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson and his ‘Brotherhood’ (or The CRB) have obviously been working hard to release another album just four months later.
The Magic Door is a lush, funky, soundscape – a collection of jams; Aunty Mavis’ Southern-Rock Preserve, freshly spread and as tasty as ever.
Having already played well over one hundred shows together, The CRB’s new tracks, though clearly free-jam based, are as tight as the lid on Mavis’ preserves.
‘Vibration And Light Suite’ is a 14-minute epic, wandering through country-funk and underwater soundscapes, crowded rooms and empty spaces which never once become boring.
‘Someday Past The Sunset’ is a sweaty, dusty wagon-ride through the hard country; oppressed and contemplative yet somehow upbeat and hopeful, “your mind is not free if your soul is in jail…” croons Robinson.
Former Cardinals guitarist Neal Casal lends some Robbie Krieger inspired slide-guitar solos and nuances to this killer track – hell, this one’s just about radio friendly, even at over six minutes long.
The only songs on the album under an epic length are the covers, a slowed-down and chilled out version of Carl Perkins ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ among others by greats such as Eddie Floyd and Jimmy Reed.
If you haven’t heard The Chris Robinson Brotherhood before, reserve your expectations, free your mind and listen with your soul.
This album is diverse, amalgamated, classic and original. A free-ranging jam, Mavis’ Chunky Blues-Country-Funk-Rock Relish for the soul.
