Review
Jumpin' straight onto the rough and wild terrain that Them Dirty Roses embrace with their album "Lost in the Valley of Hate & Love Vol. I," you'll find a rugged journey full of grit and southern soul released on March 17, 2023. The Ford brothers, James quaking on vocals and guitar while Frank rolls thunder on drums, join forces with Andrew Davis on lead guitar and Ben Crain's bass to create a harmonious juggernaut that balances raw blues-rock with a mature edge. The richness of gospel-infused sounds mingling with acoustic simplicity and electric shockwaves paints a backdrop only truly discovered along the wild roads of Southern rock.
Every track on this adventure has its own daring trail to blaze, from the innocent acoustic beginnings of "Holy Roller" evolving into a surge of modern rock, setting the album's wheels in motion. "Sunday Drunk" brings a dynamic tango between serenity and electric jolt, while "Ain't No Need" digs into blues reminiscent of those bolder days of The Allman Brothers Band. Slide into "You Can't" for a classic rock reverie, with drum patterns and guitar that ignite nostalgia, and get swept up in "Good Life," tipping hats to the legendary guitar work akin to Gary Rossington. "Black Magic Lady" reveals James Ford's soul-baring vocals, starting gentle and soaring mighty as it reaches its pinnacle in explosive chorus revelry.
Woven with tales of crossroads and conflicts, the album ricochets between love, hate, the swirling seduction of rock 'n' roll life versus the anchor of home. Them Dirty Roses spin an autobiographical yarn through each lyric and riff, leaving all in anticipation of what's next from these southern rebels. Rising from the strivings down dusty highways to crescendoes of auditory glory, "Lost in the Valley of Hate & Love Vol. I" is a dynamic narrative crowned by passion and craftsmanship that keeps the torch of Southern rock blazing like a wild bonfire under a wide open night's sky. So turn this on, let it surge into your soul, and buckle up for the ride. - Logan
Listening Guide
• Vibe: Southern Roadhouse Reverie
• Insight: This raw and soulful blend of blues-rock and Southern grit is the perfect companion for a late-night drive or a laid-back gathering with friends. With its rich storytelling, electric energy, and gospel-infused moments, the album captures the essence of life’s wild roads and emotional highs and lows. Each track takes you deeper into a Southern rock journey, full of heart and rebellion, making it the ideal soundtrack for those who crave authenticity and passion in their music.
