Necktie Social’s newest album Crimson Wine Haze showcases the band’s distinctive skill to make basic rock and blues sound fashionable. Upon first hear, I hear Iron Maiden, Metallica, ZZ High, however then, with every repeat hear, Necktie Social’s nuance shines via. There’s a robust post-grunge core—suppose Shinedown, Foo Fighters, Puddle of Mudd—and even hints of progressive steel bands like Avenged Sevenfold. It’s all there, and that’s what makes Necktie Social’s type so distinctive.
The opening observe “Satan’s Spine” does precisely what a primary observe ought to do: it introduces the band. Guitarist Joey Torres gives robust riffs and enjoyable licks. Drummer Corey Davis retains a gradual beat. Bassist Jacob Veal offers the spine. And, vocalist Dusty Owen delivers highly effective vocals. The lyrics additionally give a thematic overview of the album. “I can’t escape this valley,” Owen thunders, “who will come and ease my soul?” (Satan’s Spine”). The second observe, “Misplaced My Soul In Georgia,” carries this query additional, and the feminine backup vocals listed below are a wise, haunting contact.
The titular observe, “Crimson Wine Haze,” is my private favourite on the album. Earlier than the vocals even begin, the guitar enjoying pulls the listener in and makes it troublesome to withstand tapping alongside to the beat. This track additionally will get extra on the existential coronary heart of the document: “I simply hold biding my time, on the lookout for solutions I’ll by no means discover, it’s alright” (“Crimson Wine Haze”).
The next two tracks categorical a way of urgency, because the speaker contemplates salvation and penalties. Lastly, “Howdy or Goodbye” concludes Crimson Wine Haze with a philosophical ballad that feels write out of Ecclesiastes, as Owen croons, “So a few years have come and gone, nothing new beneath the solar.”
Regardless of its brief runtime, the weighty subject material and wealthy emotional resonance make the document really feel twice as lengthy—in the easiest way. This Knoxville, Tennessee, band takes the listener on a journey, and with their considerate lyrics and daring sound, declare, “Solely time can ease the soul, now roll child, roll child, roll” (“Howdy or Goodbye”).
Launch Date for “Crimson Wine Haze” is January 10, 2025
Reviewed by Anelise Haukaas
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