CD Review

With grinding guitars, menacing vocals, and an aura of invincibility, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is perhaps the prototype of the "return to rock" musical outfits. Their first release became an immediate hit with the anti-establishment song "Whatever Happened To My Rock ‘N’ Roll," helping to spark a rejuvenation of cocksure swagger amidst dirty chords within accessible rock. The grinding, hazy guitars and fuzzy vocals are back with the Club's second highly anticipated release – Take Them, On Your Own.

This work was masterminded from 6pm to 6am in the dark cramped confines of an east London studio, and it mightily resembles one those late night run of the mill creations. The fast tempos rev up from the onset with the assaulting "Stop" to the propelling "Six Barrel Shotgun. " Bassist/singer Robert Tuner convincingly plays the part of front man, when he proclaims "I’m in love without you," in the part pessimist/optimist third track. Although, the band has added a knack for a couple pop hooks here and there, which might alienate their more aggressive fans, the moments of plodding chords might be a welcome treat for others. The band moves in new directions with the atmospheric "And I’m Aching," and the reflective "Shade of Blue." Meanwhile Turner, and guitarist/vocalist Hayes, engage in a signifying musical bond that allows their tight lead and rhythm foundations to strike upon the moody, catchy, and rambunctious. The authentic garage-rock feel, and adrenaline fueling anthems are enough to make Black Rebel Motorcycle Club leader of the pack.