CD REVIEW: HORNBUCKLE – Virtue & Vice

Label: Independent

Release Date: November 6, 2013

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Blues and other genres in the same style are not typically something I listen to, but one listen through the latest from Hornbuckle (brothers Michael and Brian) and I felt the urge to listen again and again.  There are a few tracks on this disc that standout, even for a rocker like me.  “Done Fooling Around” opens the disc and lays the groundwork for the rest of the disc.  The heavy bottom end, along with the vocals standout and give this song personality.  “Complicated” follows the course of the previous song, while lightening the rhythm section a bit.  “’59 Pontiac Hearse” is one of the funkier and more fun tracks on the disc.  The bass and keyboards play well together and compliment the guitars and vocals.  The drums and percussion even stand out on this track.  Riding the funk vibe, “Slave To The Benjamins” gives us some great riffs and bass licks that come together to accentuate the rest of the band on this song.  “Bird Of A Feather” shows the bands diversity, when it incorporates some fuzzy guitar into the mix along with the killer guitar riffs and solos.  The bass leads the drive and gives the drums a playmate in the rhythm section.  “Moment In Time” is a cool upbeat track that really soars due to the vocals.  They emote during the verses and seem to come alive during the chorus.  “Knife In Your Hand” is an upbeat track that gets the foot tapping and the blood racing, with its more aggressive tempo and bombastic drumming.  “Beautiful Rain” is my personal favorite on the disc and helps wrap up the disc, just before the title track closes the disc out.

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Category: CD Reviews