Eric Sardinas is the next generation of rock\/blues, taking the
\nbest elements of the greats like Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Jimi Hendrix
\nand mixing in more contemporary acts like Lenny Kravitz and the
\nBlack Crowes to create a powerful blend of music that ought not be
\ndenied.<\/p>\n
Opening track “Flames of Love” kicks off the CD with authority.
\nBuilt around a searing guitar riff, the appeal of this music is
\nthrust into the forefront. Unlike some blues\/rock bands, where the
\nrhythm section just provides a backbone for the guitarist, the trio
\nof Sardinas, bassist Paul Loranger and drummer Mike Dupke sound
\nlike a band, adding additional ideas to Sardinas riffs. Make no
\nmistake, as the only melodic instrument in the band, Sardinas takes
\nthe weight of the material on his shoulders. Where this release
\nachieves what other bands cannot is with the on-the-dime drumming
\nof Dupke and low-end throbbing of Loranger. This is a trio without
\nanyone taking a backseat to anyone. To draw a comparison, they are
\na Rush of the blues. Like Rush, there is not a single instrument
\nthat takes precedent over another.<\/p>\n
“Ain’t No Crime” starts with a riff borrowed from a Led Zeppelin
\nblues stomp with Dupke driving the song through its verse and
\nchorus. Sardinas solo on this track is impressive and soulful. This
\nis evident in the Hendrix-inspired “Lice’s Dice Blues.” You can
\nfeel the groove even while the band is playing quiet during the
\nverse. When the band crescendos, there is musicianship and power
\nand respect for the past while paving the future of the genre.
\nWhile it would be acceptable for Sardinas to steal the spotlight,
\nthat does not happen. Dupke adds some tasteful hi-hat patterns
\nwhile Loranger expands the song with his basslines.<\/p>\n
“Sorrcus Kitchen” starts out as a slow song before eventually
\ncrescendoing into a song that would be unfairly stereotyped as a
\nrock ballad. “Four Roses” reminds me of a groove similar to what
\nthe Black Crowes would have recorded on their
\nShake Your Money Maker<\/i> release. There is a laid-back push in
\nthe tempo that compliments Sardinas lyrics.<\/p>\n
There’s a down-home stomp on “Old Smyrm Road” that insists you
\ntap your foot. Dupke’s snare pattern drives the song and Loranger’s
\nbasslines compliment Sardinas bluesy stomp. The song sounds more
\nacoustic guitar than electric and compliments the rest of the
\nmaterial on this release. Additionally, Sardinas’ vocals are
\nespecially soulful.<\/p>\n