A little over a year ago Robert J. Hunter was in something of a reflective mood as he released his third album, Where I’m From.
Now though, a year on and many more gigs under his, and his band’s, belts all over the UK and he’s to be found in more and loud and empowered form on what feels like something of a landmark, self-titled, album.
From Rob’s opening off-mic howl they launch into the much more strongly rhythm ’n’ blues driven Loving Unfortunately that nicely sets the scene for what is to come – a return to the ‘dirty blues’ of earlier records but with a hugely increased confidence and power.
That’s not to say the whole thing is stomping, driven, R ’n’ B, as once more Hunter’s heart and soul are front and centre, as is often only fitting for the blues.
This can be heard, in differing ways on Alone, Every Heart Has A Home, The Fool and more, giving the whole record a real feeling of truth that is essential to the concept he has always employed.
This concept is that of each record being a kind of diary of the previous year or so (realistically since the recording of the previous album).
This continues to serve him well bringing a diversity to his songs, both musically and in subject, but all within he and his band’s sphere of generally rocking blues.
While the whole record has a more R ’n’ B feel (that isn’t surprising to me given Hunter’s origins in a band heavily influenced by Dr. Feelgood) across the record the band heads in more country directions on Alone, a kind of smooth blues with hints of Alana Miles and Stevie Ray Vaughan on Every Heart Has A Home and even 90s Britrock (but don’t let that put you off) on Wait Your Turn, while closer Keep On Hanging On shows that the band’s folky side as shown on Where I’m From is still there when needed.
Of course this isn’t just Rob on record but his long-standing trio completed by Greg Sheffield (drums) and James Le Huray (bass).
As the title suggests they really do come across as a complete unit now, led by Rob but all intrinsic parts of the whole sound – something that the album being recorded mostly live hammers home.
This self-titled album then does feel like something of a reboot moment for The Robert J. Hunter Band presenting a more confident and polished front, though with still enough of the grit and hints of darkness and depth that have made their reputation to date.
On top of which there is an appropriate restraint in the guitar histrionics that often gets over looked in modern blues rooting the band’s sound in something far more soulful and engaging that again hints at the R ’n’ B influences as well as the conventional blues.
The album is available via the band’s Bandcamp page
Tommy Girard 