Unfortunately, if Robert Plant and his men decide to tour again, the Crowes would likely become a second priority to fans.
Even if they became famous as a Zeppelin alternative, it is impossible to dilute the pure energy the Crowes exhibit. Fronted by the dirty pipes of former tabloid fodder Chris Robinson, the sextet’s muscle is as primed as ever on “Warpaint,” the group’s first studio album since “Lions” in 2001.
The disc’s first standout is the solid “Walk Believer Walk,” which recalls the fiery soul of the Crowes’ most complete work, explored on albums such as 1994’s “Amorica.” Like many compositions on “Warpaint,” the song merges holy words with sinful guitars, dripping with the dirty blues soul which the group has marketed so well. A comparable partner is a take on “God’s Got It,” originally performed by classic guitarist/preacher Rev. Charlie Jackson. Simpler cuts like “Oh Josephine,” a lazy back porch ode to a beautiful girl as told through a trippy effects pedal, sound even sweeter among some of the more grandiose selections.
Although the disc is solid in sound and feel, if you have an ear for keen lyrics, be sure to stay clear of anything that comes out of Robinson’s mouth. Like classic rockers of yore, he has little use for declaring anything outside of ambiguous messages, rock mantras and well-tread clichés. In fact, on “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution,” Robinson even stifles a laugh while spitting out the knowingly tawdy come-on, “Put a little grease on my axle now.” Not that dumb words negatively affect the guys’ power; lines later, the repetition of “Don’t you want to see the ships go down with me” anchors the tune’s brightest breakdown.
Ultimately, the Crowes don’t let a non-recording hiatus affect their brand of feel-good rock comfort food. It ain’t rocket science, and sometimes the hooks become a bit soggy, but you have to admire a band for sticking to its roots even as trends come and go.