Baroness : "Stone"

The band's sixth album , finds them not straying wildly from what has worked in the past for them. The trick here is in the past a lot has worked for them. More rock oriented than progressive or post- rock leanings of years past, they chug and jangle in equal doses for "Last Word' that is the album's first send off into rock n roll. They have more of a Mastodon like edge with. There is more of a crooned swagger to Baizley's voice. Though still miles from the band's more sludge influenced beginnings, there is more grit to his voice in some passages of the song, along with metallic guitar harmonies. Perhaps not their hookiest song, but I appreciate the increased aggression of the song's energy. It's jammed out into  "the Choir".  Which rides a tension palm muted groove as the vocals offer more of a spoken word perspective. 

"the Dirge" is a folky interlude. "Anodyne" is more of the metallic path , long time fans might be waiting for from them. The vocals glide well over the taunt riffing. The pace picks up for "Shine" after a melodic intro. This song comfortable circles the band's wheelhouse. Gina has said she was a more active participant in the writing process, so it's admirable, that the guitar heroics are toned down even since the last album, as she is not clearly seeing songs as bookends to solo over. The song fades out into ambiance, so compositional not the most complete thought of the album, but it works well for what they do. 

The calm before the storm formula, is an oldie but a goodie that proves effective on "Magnolia" . The song ebbs and flows between the two dynamics once it has built enough momentum with it's thunder. I like the Tool like slither of "Under the Wheel" as it takes things in a darker direction, and this might be one of the album's best songs. I appreciate the effort that was put into "Bloom" in contrast this tightly harmonized folk piece is very organic, and they accomplished what they set out to do with it , but I do not feel it hits the level they did with the last album. Which is a vibe I can say reflect the whole album, what they did here is a return to their most popular sound, like say 'Shock Me" but I would not say it's at the same level as the last album. I will give it an 8.5, which still puts them above most bands, even if they played it safe here.That said the last album grew on me perhaps this one might as well.This drops September 15th.  

/div>