Album Review: Baroness - Purple

Although the ambitious Yellow & Green double LP was lauded by critics, many longtime fans of Baroness left disappointed.

Quite simply the album was too mellow, and to add further indignities the likes of Cocainium came off as deliberate attempts to gain a foothold in the mainstream rock market. For the record we thought Yellow & Green was pretty ace, but fans of the older material can let out a sigh of relief because on Purple the Savannah, Georgia outfit have gone back to basics. Ok, there's nothing here as raw as say Isak but the album opener Morningstar arrives abruptly with a killer riff to signal the band's intent. In fact you have to wait until mid-album and Fugue/Chlorine & Wine for any trace of the ethereal vibe that marked Yellow & Green. Although frontman John Baizley remains the only original member, this band could quite easily have recorded the Blue Record. The likes of Shock Me and Kerosene grab you 'round the neck in all their fuzzed out glory and refuse to let go. Catchy as hell, yet packing a dirty rhythmic punch, Purple is evidence that Baroness has transcended the turmoil surrounding them and settled in for the long haul.