This debut CD has however greatly disappointed me: the production leaves only a pale reflection of sweaty energy of live performances. For example, bassist Zac Cockrell and drummer Steve Johnson put under "Hold On" a fantastic slinky groove, but the blending of the vocal track has no volume differentiation between the restrained sung verses and the results presented passionate chorus. Or "You Is not Alone": The song poses a beautiful light on the aesthetic concept and proves simultaneously the technical skills of the band. Toward the end, Brittany Howard lined with throaty screams going and lead guitarist Heath Fogg robust, distorted riffs increase for Crescendo. Here, the belt runs really hot, the tension rises, but then simply faded abruptly. What remains is an irritated and disappointed listeners. One wonders involuntarily if the band got here afraid of his own courage.
What ATO has done the mastering of this CD, plus an impertinence. Thanks to completely exaggerated compression missing the songs any dynamics, the music sounds a total force and featureless. The vinyl version here may have more to offer, but unfortunately I could not hear.
My conclusion: Stay away from this CD, if you really want to enjoy the music. Grasp instead prefer to concert recordings and radio sessions available on the net back: simply more fun. Or visit a concert - live Laying Brittany Howard and her fellow namely an ordinary shovel on it ...
