REX BROWN – Smoke On This

Smoke On This is the solo debut of Rex Brown, Bassist for Pantera, Down, and Kill Devil Hill. Smoke On This features Brown singing, playing rhythm guitar, as well as bass guitar, and features cowriter Lance Harvill on lead guitar and Christopher Williams (Accept, Blackfoot) on drums.

If you pick up this album expecting to hear Pantera, you’ll be disappointed. It’s not Metal at all. It’s very much Bluesy Rock, with some forays into Psychedelic Rock (“Get Yourself Alright”), and even some very heavy Beatles influence (a la “Grace”). Brown’s vocals are deep and gravelly, at times very reminiscent of Gene Simmons of Kiss. There is ample Rock ‘n’ Roll swagger in several of the tracks. “So Into You” kicks off with a riff very similar to Buckcherry’s “Bad Girlfriend” before heading off in a different direction. The opening track, “Lone Rider” is another rocker. “Best Of Me’ is another Psychedelic infused track that works its way around to a big Rock crescendo.

Overall, the songs are well written and Smoke On This is well produced. Perhaps almost too well. The vocals and guitars are clearly doubled and tripled, and at times sound overproduced. The lead guitar is in the pocket — nothing too flashy. Just fits the songs and sounds a bit formulaic. Bluesy Rock fans will enjoy, and those curious about Rex Brown’s personal sound and style should definitely give a listen. Smoke On This is a solid record.

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