Returning with their first studio album in fifteen years, The Black Crowes return in full force with Happiness Bastards on March 15, 2024 through Silver Arrow Records.
Providing a brief recap leading to this moment, many are away that The Black Crowes parted ways back in 2015. With members moving on to other projects in the aftermath, Chris Robinson formed the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, while his brother, Rich, worked on solo material. Then, after 4 years doing their own thing, the brothers had put their differences aside and The Black Crowes would return to the stage. Partaking in touring in the years to follow, save some setbacks due to COVID-19 lockdowns, they put out the covers EP 1972 in 2022; two years following the 30th Anniversary of their own legendary 1990 debut, Shake Your Money Maker. This all in mind, Chris and Rich Robinson are leading The Crowes, joined by longtime Bassist Sven Pipen, but also Guitarist Nico Bereciartua, Drummer Cully Symington, plus Keyboardist Erik Deutsch. Brought up to speed, Happiness Bastards is everything a Black Crowes fan could have hoped for after such an extended period of time has come and gone.
As if they never left, within seconds of the album’s start, you are treated to a dirty sounding opening guitar riff on the track “Bedside Manners,” soon accompanied by a Rock-n-Roll piano fill to die for. With its driving beat, slide guitar fills and beautiful harmonies, the song is explosive; thus setting the tone for the rest of the new songs. This in mind, “Rats and Clowns” follows and it is filled with a fuzzed out, distorted opening rhythm guitar progression, partnered with a pulsating bass riff. Quite catchy, it moves along easily and ends with a great vocal snarl that fans of Chris Robinson have grown to love.
From here, the album’s lead single “Wanting and Waiting” offers a super catchy guitar riff intro that flows nicely with a great organ and tight rhythm guitars. Filled with great harmonies, it is a killer cut that could have easily been envisioned as a part of any of Black Crowes’ albums of the past.
This is while they teamed up with Lainey Wilson for the lovely acoustic guitar riff based “Wilted Rose.” Harkening back to a ’70s Rolling Stones vibe, harmonies soar before a fantastic middle section, as beautiful vocals complement the feelings of heartache (like a snake in the water that stings underneath). A fitting love ballad, there are also bluesy songs like “Bleed It Dry” complete with gritty guitars and great harmonica playing, sitting alongside “Flesh Wound” which features a nice drum intro and more catchy riffs. Lastly, “Kindred Friend” closes the album in a wonderful way thanks to a dreamy start that segues into some very tasty harmonica playing. In truth, it takes on a very Neil Young sound with its catchy guitar progression and stellar lyrics such as, “What we have left, let’s make it last, tomorrow owes nothing to the past,” that reminds you that we all struggle in the game of love and life.
In all, The Black Crowes have been making music for four decades and counting. Catchy rhythms, savory southern sounding guitar leads/riffs all accompanied by Chris Robinsons distinctive snarl create a musical palette that is impossible not to love. Recapturing the magic, even the pacing of Happiness Bastards is perfect as each song seems to flow perfectly into the other. Playing as tight as they ever have, The Black Crowes have the perfect sounding record to hit the road with… and long time followers are in for a treat. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Happiness Bastards 5 out of 5 stars.
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Nice review! My only real issue (and this is with every review I’ve read so I am not singling this one out) is that Rich’s two albums with Magpie Salute (High Water I and High Water II) are essentially Black Crowes albums with an equally powerful lead singer and some even better hooks than HAPPINESS BASTARDS (which I love). I’m bummed that they didn’t make as much noise simply because they didn’t have the famous name attached.