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For Jonny Lang fans, it has been a long four years since his last album, ‘Fight For My Soul’. Four years that have witnessed the arrival of many new blues wunderkinds. Although still a few years away from celebrating his fortieth birthday, it seems that Lang has been around forever. Infuriatingly, he still looks as fresh-faced now as he did decades ago when he first burst onto the scene. His sound has gradually evolved over time from straight up blues into a more powerful mix of blues, gospel and lashings of soul. ‘Signs’ is a healthy smorgasboard of all of these styles with a dash of arena rock and funk thrown in. Beginning with the raw and emotive ‘Make It Move’ is a genius move. Track one is usually reserved for the fastest of the bunch, but this foot tapping, hand clapping, gospel-tinged gem is a perfect introduction to the album. A tale of being more proactive and getting shit done, “You can waste your whole life waiting for that mountain to move, but it’s waiting on you”, it features a right-there-right-then live vibe, and a smouldering groove that gives way to a short incendiary solo. ‘Wisdom’, which appears towards the end of the album, is similar in style, and both serve as reminders of how eclectic Lang can be. ‘Snakes’ continues the vibe with a raw, fuzzy guitar tone that will have the guitar geeks drooling. Damn, Jonny Lang can still make that guitar sing! ‘Last Man Standing’ changes tack, and goes for more of modern arena rock sound, musically akin to Foo Fighters, but with way more guitar solos. It’s bloody massive, that’s for sure. The traditional blues sound features heavily on the crushing title track. The intro alone is worthy of the admission price. Even though the guitars are set way up in the mix, they never drown out Lang’s vocals, which actually get better as he ages. Primarily known for his six string prowess, maybe it’s about time that his vocal capabilities get some of the limelight? After the sweet funk grooves of ‘What You’re Made Of’, it’s back to modern rock with ‘Bitter End’, which totally, totally wails. A song that stood out on the first spin, it simply gets better with each listen, and it proves that a band can be heavy without going full pelt. Favourite on the album? Yep, most definitely. ‘Into The Light’ is another highlight, with a fantastic raspy vocal performance from Lang, and a strong, uplifting vibe. It simply soars. The softer moments are equally as effective. ‘Bring Me Back Home’ will get the hairs standing on end, and the solo mid-song is traffic stopping. ‘Singing Songs’ is mind blowing, simple as that really. Haunting, emotive, and with a gorgeous string arrangement, it lives on for some time after. Above all ‘Signs’ is a guitar album. Lang’s riffs and guitar licks are very much front and centre, and it’s another reminder to the numerous young pretenders that Jonny Lang is still very much digging his heals in. Available now through Mascot Label Group Review: Dave Stott]]>
