BLACK ROBOT – Black Robot

How about a 70s influenced band? With all the 80s like bands lying around, coming and going, the 70s also have something to say about it because they are still here and flowing among us. That is the story of Black Robot.

After J.B. Brightman, Lonich and Glenn split the Hard Rock band, Buckcherry, they went on ahead forming the new AC/DC and 70s influenced Black Robot machine. This year, this fresh Hard Rockin’ group delivered its first album, Black Robot, which will take you back in time to the post Woodstock era where many badasses were doing the weed and pot while thumping their fingers to good old Rock tunes of Hendrix, Clapton, Aerosmith , Frank Zappa, AC/DC and tons of others.

However appealing the 80s era is, when it comes to Hard Rock, originally the basics lay on the laps of the 70s. The first thing that deserves attention and admiration for Black Robot, as a 70s example, is the selection of the style of music. Black Robot chose to do it retro style, which as a lone fact is just awesome, and they did it almost picture perfect. They took the right sound for the job, which was done by the pair of Dave Cobbs and Greg Gordon and they picked the right song to cover, which is the marvelous cover version of the old classy, druggy tune of “Cocaine” (originally by J.J Cale). Add their suitable attitude to manifest a type of music, that with all the modernity around, seems to be sometimes out of place, yet Black Robot says otherwise. So who is going to stop them? If you think that it would be their American core / modernized environment – you are dead wrong.

Black Robot is a good vintage design of the American spirit made by the vast experience of the players. Before the album , through the band’s well selected singles like “Cocaine” (Even the drums were especially made different for this one in order to give it the Aussie feel of AC/DC) , “Love On .45” and the touchy , yet a bit banal, “I’m In Love”, it was made clear that the album will make it well as its first presenting singles. With those demonstrations, Black Robot brought over other fine tracks as the robust “Badass”, which was smartly opted as the opener. The slow motion, ultra fuzzy Blues of “Momma Don’t Cry”. Another ballad on display that is pure 70s and far better than the first ballad of “I’m In Love” is “Stop The World”, a wonderful love song. “Nervous Breakdown” is Black Robot’s way to give you a better idea about some funky Rockin’ and the result is just swell (with a wonderful addition of the aging sound of the keys). Another good one is “Dissatisfaction” , which is kind of a modern mix to the old era, very catchy tune (check out the retro like solo in the middle and you will be crazed). Finally, running fast from the back, following afterwards is the classic to be, “In My Car”, which is the best and foremost presentation of how vintage and special this band can be.

The trio from the ex-Buckcherry and their new band mate / singer and friend, Huck Johns, made their first outing a worthwhile release and even more than that. They made the impression that 70s oriented music is still strong and it has lots to offer with its auras, sensations and weed induced feels in today’s music. Stay tuned for the robot because this game is not over by any chance.