Album review: FIVE HORSE JOHNSON – The Taking of Black Heart

Small Stone Records www.smallstone.com

The band have been going since 1995 and this album is their first since 2006 as they return from a hiatus. If you like your blues hard rock with a little stoner rock vibe this album will tick all your boxes. Their secret weapon is the harp playing of vocalist Eric Oblander. It complements the guitar and driving rhythm section perfectly as can be heard on ‘The Job’ or the superb ‘Mexico’. The band have also toured with Clucth and you can hear a little of that band in certain songs, most notably ‘Black Heart Baby’.

There is a little surprise on ‘You’re My Girl’ where Robin Zander of Cheap Trick fame guests and it sounds like a Black Crowes tune. Zander sounds perfect for this type of blues/hard rock tune.

The whole album is like a soundtrack to an imaginary western and titles like ‘Quick On The Trigger’ and ‘Shoot My Way Out’ only emphasize this more. Crank it up and enjoy!

****

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 10 March 2025

THE SOUL REVIVAL Outlaw (indie)
WHEN RIVERS MEET Addicted To Love (indie)
ISABELLA STORM Satan’s Valentine (indie)
KEYSTONE Slow Down Honey (indie)
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE Sleep Tonight (Metropolis Records)
SAWMOON Madness (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 10 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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