We don't venture into Guitar Rock too often, too often it sounds too good ole boys and come on girl. It isn't that we don't acknowledge the ability, it is just that lyrically, it gets too samey and all Guitar Solo hell. There are exceptions and Columbus quartet, Good Reverend are certainly one.
Yes, they can't half rock, but it is done with such variety, melody and style. Tongue in cheek at times, a little like The Darkness without the high pitch. Across these nine songs, there are so many styles incorporated without ever losing the fact that they are a rock band.
Damn Good Time edges towards Chinn and Chapman Glam Rock. Apple Core Face gets very close to Prog. Icarus even adds Queen like harmonies to something that isn't a mile away from Queen I. My words suggest something that isn't ordinary. It certainly isn't.
Then there is Fine which is absolutely off the scale in weirdness and sheer invention. Rocked up Pop Rock that completely surprises you and makes you halt the album listen to hear it again. Two and a half minutes of sheer joy.
Chocolate Fingers is heavy Psych Pop, totally incomparable to the all out Rock of Mosquito. There is also a surprise 7 minute song halfway through as Whatever You Want meanders on a hypnotic groove that is totally absorbing.
The lesson of the story is don't believe what you initially think. At face value, Sweet Tea And Cigarettes would appear another of those Classic Rock affairs, but one listen and you realise you are in the court of greatness. What a welcome surprise and what a totally splendid listen.
You can listen to and buy the album here. You can buy the album on CD or as a download.
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