Royal Southern Brotherhood Heartsoulblood

2014, The Brotherhood are back. Some might say they've never been away. Two years have passed since 2012's self-titled debut album, but the genre-splicing all-star Southerners have barely paused for breath. There's been the roof-raising world tour, taking in twenty-plus countries. There's been the classic SONGS FROM THE ROAD live album. Cyril Neville, Devon Allman and Mike Zito have all found time for critically-acclaimed solo releases, while Yonrico Scott and Charlie Wooton have lent their talents to the hottest artists around. But HEARTSOULBLOOD is the big one. The main event. The one the band describes as ´the record they really wanted to make`. ,,World Blues" opens things, with a great groove, built on some fiery slide guitar from Mike Zito. Retro Southern rock blues, with the vocals shared among Mike, Cyril and Devon. ,,Rock and Roll" is Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen territory - it's a very strong song and vocal, with an infectious hook and great guitar break.