Black Country Communion – V

Alone the idea of a supergroup consisting of Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian was enough to create plenty of buzz around in the world of rock music even before Black Country Communion even released any music. And then when they did release their self-titled debut in 2010 all expectations seem to be fulfilled. It was an eclectic classic rock album, which combined British Classic Rock with American bluesy soul. The band quickly found their sound characterized by Huges’ impressive vocals, Bonamassa’s razor sharp bluesy guitars and one big fat ever-present groove.

Just as impressive was the songwriting, which cemented that this was more than some competent gentlemen heaving a jam session. Less than a year later the band released the follow-up which was just as strong and even presented the band broadening their horizons a bit. A year later, the band released another album before running into some glitches of different sorts. This mean that their fourth album BCCIV was released five years later.

Fast-forward another seven years and the band is back at it again. Their fifth album appropriately titled V is set to be released on 14th June 2024. One glance at the artwork, and it’s clear that this time around the band has decided to take a completely different direction. The first four records used very similar imagery and nonetheless the same logo, but with V they went in a completely different direction. The traditional Classic Rock visualizations is now substituted with what looks more like visual direction for a futuristic conceptual prog album. Logo too is gone in favour of simple typography approach.

Musically, however, the band is as on safe ground just like they were on previous fur albums, meaning that this is a bluesy Classic Rock record inspired by the 70’s era – top to bottom. The opener “Enlighten” flows seamlessly, driven by a simple groove, catchy chorus and spiced-up by Bonamassa’s eminent guitar solo. First single “Stay Free” follows with funk overload driven by Sherinian’s catchy organ lick and that slick rhythm section. One of the highlights of the album “Red Sun” is such a classic Black Country Communion song with that big Led Zeppelin riff, tasteful bridge and chorus which takes the song’s mood in a more emotional direction, while maintaining the grove of the verse and the main riff. The guitar solo on this song is perhaps the highlight of the album, which with its sophistication and creativity simply dazzles.

The band’s “fifth member”, Kevin Shirley, the man who has gotten this band together in the first place and who has produced all of their records, is of course once again in charge of the production. Sonically, he stays true to that core sound he has helped create, which is that classic 70’s inspired rock sound. This time around there is a bit more body to it and overall, some production choices make it more modern sounding. The sound might be more polished and balanced out, but the overall it’s very much another classic Blues Rock record.

With four gentlemen of such calibre, it would be very unlikely if songwriting on this album wasn’t of good. And of course, it is, but songwriting wise, the band has delivered on a higher level on their previous releases. The performance of course is just as brilliant as you’d expect from BCC and five albums in, they have created quite a back-catalogue for themselves, especially taking into the consideration that this band is not not he main gig for any of its members.

With seven years since their previous release and the artwork which signals significant change, one might expect something radically different from this album. But that is not the case with V and while change and experimenting is a welcome aspect for any artist, some are just better off sticking to their guns. BCC is one of them. Throughout their career, they have developed and experimented, but all within those clear borders of the band’s very core. V is rather classic BCC record, and it’s actually less experimental than its predecessor. It’s another very strong record by this outstanding and important quartet and an example of their insane quality level is that such a strong record as V is, is the weakest of their career.

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