Album Review: Black Stone Cherry - Kentucky

Titling the record after their home state and returning to essentially the same studio surrounds as their debut a decade ago, the accompanying narrative heavily implies a 'going back to the roots' affair.

Not that Black Stone Cherry have often strayed far from their southern-fried hard rock template. Although there's filler and over-wrought balladry, they craft muscular riffage and accessible choruses. Soul Machine flaunts an infectiously funky groove, punctuated by female backing vocals. Covering Motown favourite War could seem a novelty, although copious energy elevates it. Kentucky mightn't score many new converts, but the already initiated will raise a whiskey glass in approval.