Since reuniting in 2005, the Black Crowes have
released one live album (two, counting last year's Chris and Rich Robinson solo
set, Brothers Of A Feather) and now one studio effort, Warpaint. It was debatable whether
the band should have returned to the studio at all, as the fire and force the
Crowes reliably exhibit onstage hasn't translated on record since the mid-'90s.
But Warpaint suggests
that the brothers Robinson simply needed time to regroup after hitting a wall
with 2001's career-worst Lions. While it doesn't reach the gold standard of the
Black Crowes' first three albums, Warpaint more than justifies the
band's continued existence nearly 20 years after it emerged as an unapologetic
anachronism specializing in British blues and Southern-fried blue-eyed soul.
Brontosaurus-in-molasses stompers like "Walk Believer Walk" and "Evergreen"
punch the band's rock card nicely. But Warpaint really distinguishes
itself on the ballads—always Chris Robinson's secret weapon—with
the gentle back-porch jams "Oh Josephine" and "Locust Street" finding the Black
Crowes settling into middle age with surprising grace.