STONE

Album review

The trajectory followed by the group led by guitarist-singer (and talented painter-illustrator) John Dyer Baisley demands respect. After serving up music lying somewhere between sludge and stoner, they’ve made certain songs more accessible thanks to an elegantly placed touch of pop. They’ve also radically changed their line-up following a tragic car accident, but the group is still standing and more inspired than ever. Although Baroness may have toned down some of their most intense aspects, they have managed to conserve the strike force, capable of coming back at any moment and knocking you upside the head to remind you that they’re here to rock, for real. Stone sounds brutally live, vivid, and overwhelming, all at once. It’s almost as if Baroness were having fun with playing the role of Mastodon (“Last Word,” “Anodyne”), getting more and more progressive (“Magnolia”), and putting a vintage twist on several riffs, which gives the album flavor.

Although certain influences are undeniable, Baroness forges their own identity, between their post-punk side brought out by Thin Lizzy-esque guitars (“Shine”) and their more massive and heavy metal heritage (“Under the Wheel”). After what turns out to be a quite classic and predictable “Purple”, and a “Gold and Grey” that may be almost too experimental for some, has this combo from Savannah created the perfect transition album, which forecasts seasons even more chock-full of surprises? Overwhelming, yes, but devilishly melodic and thus terribly addictive. © Chief Brody/Qobuz