DEADSTRING BROTHERS > Silver Mountain

These Motor City rock and rollers return with a disc that lives up and surpasses the high bar set by their debut. Recorded in the Deadstring Brothers’ recording studio, Silver Mountain boasts the Americana influence of The Band mixed with some soulful blues-rock from Muscle Shoals. Label: BLOODSHOT
[RATING: 4]

These Motor City rock and rollers return with a disc that lives up and surpasses the high bar set by their debut. Recorded in the Deadstring Brothers’ recording studio, Silver Mountain boasts the Americana influence of The Band mixed with some soulful blues-rock from Muscle Shoals. Guided by the searing vocals of Masha Marjieh, the disc opens with the groovy, hook-heavy, harmony-laced “Ain’t No Hidin’ Love,” and just keeps getting better. The title track recalls classic Stones’ ballads such as “Angie” and “Wild Horses”; with gorgeous three-piece string accompaniment and haunting pedal steel, this song lingers long. Other highs include “If You Want Me To,” and “Queen of the Scene” with its pounding piano. Willie Nelson’s harmonica player Mickey Raphael guests on a couple of tracks, all adding up to one of the best rock records of 2007. It’s a shame more people don’t know about this kick-ass band.