Necktie Social’s newest album Purple Wine Haze showcases the band’s distinctive means to make traditional rock and blues sound trendy. Upon first pay attention, I hear Iron Maiden, Metallica, ZZ High, however then, with every repeat pay attention, Necktie Social’s nuance shines by way of. There’s a powerful post-grunge core—suppose Shinedown, Foo Fighters, Puddle of Mudd—and even hints of progressive metallic bands like Avenged Sevenfold. It’s all there, and that’s what makes Necktie Social’s fashion so distinctive.
The opening observe “Satan’s Spine” does precisely what a primary observe ought to do: it introduces the band. Guitarist Joey Torres presents robust riffs and enjoyable licks. Drummer Corey Davis retains a gradual beat. Bassist Jacob Veal supplies the spine. And, vocalist Dusty Owen delivers highly effective vocals. The lyrics additionally give a thematic overview of the album. “I can’t escape this valley,” Owen thunders, “who will come and ease my soul?” (Satan’s Spine”). The second observe, “Misplaced My Soul In Georgia,” carries this query additional, and the feminine backup vocals listed here are a sensible, haunting contact.
The titular observe, “Purple Wine Haze,” is my private favourite on the album. Earlier than the vocals even begin, the guitar enjoying pulls the listener in and makes it troublesome to withstand tapping alongside to the beat. This music additionally will get extra on the existential coronary heart of the document: “I simply hold biding my time, searching for solutions I’ll by no means discover, it’s alright” (“Purple Wine Haze”).
The following two tracks specific a way of urgency, because the speaker contemplates salvation and penalties. Lastly, “Good day or Goodbye” concludes Purple Wine Haze with a philosophical ballad that feels write out of Ecclesiastes, as Owen croons, “So a few years have come and gone, nothing new underneath the solar.”
Regardless of its brief runtime, the weighty material and wealthy emotional resonance make the document really feel twice as lengthy—in one of the simplest ways. This Knoxville, Tennessee, band takes the listener on a journey, and with their considerate lyrics and daring sound, declare, “Solely time can ease the soul, now roll child, roll child, roll” (“Good day or Goodbye”).
Launch Date for “Purple Wine Haze” is January 10, 2025
Reviewed by Anelise Haukaas
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