In a musical world flooded with defunct pop stars and boys in girls' jeans, there rings the echo of rock and roll from a forgotten age. Wandering somewhere out there in the vast wastelands where whining has become a form of singing, is the soul of an era reignited.
Howlin' Rain is one part whiskey drinking on a summer porch and one part 8-track nation 1970s America.
Despite a sound reminiscent of legendary rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Grateful Dead, it would be unrighteous to say Howlin' Rain has a feeling of "been there, heard that."
Lead singer and songwriter Ethan Miller formed the band with intentions of making great old-fashioned rock. After the collapse of the band's original lineup, it was up to Miller to regroup new talent in order to save his vision.
Magnificent Fiend, the band's second album, is performed by the new cast of Howlin' Rain, while Miller reprises his role at the forefront with his strong gritty vocals.
With Fiend it becomes obvious there is something original and gratifying within the band's retro style.
There are moments of great country rock in tracks "Calling Lightning Pt. 2" and "Nomads," while the psychedelic revolution can be heard in "Dancers At The End Of Time" and "Goodbye Ruby."
The most defining track on the new album is "El Rey," which could be described as folk and psychedelic blended together in one beautiful anthem that excites the ears and promises to make heads nod.
Magnificent Fiend only struggles at one point: during the introduction track "Requiem." It will be hard for listeners new to Howlin' Rain to get a feel for what the band sounds like with this quiet and low-key introduction.
With only eight tracks on the new album it is obvious that quality is more important than quantity.
The album is extremely satisfying and a great way of reintroducing the popular sounds of old to the new.
Magnificent Fiend releases on March 4 under Birdman Records.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
