To say that V has been a much-anticipated release is to understate the level of excitement that Black Country Communion have the ability to generate. While the epithet “supergroup” may be one that the band themselves prefer to avoid, you can’t escape the fact that it comprises some of the biggest names in hard rock – Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Sherinian, and Jason Bonham – and the band has also suffered the curse of the supergroup, flaring brightly, and nearly imploding in the process. As such, the fact that the band are here at all is nothing short of a minor miracle, but it’s worth remembering that, when all the other trappings are stripped away, Black Country Communion are a truly great band, possessed of a unique chemistry, as they demonstrate time and again on this fiery outing.
Despite a lengthy gap from 2017’s BCCIV, the band slot back into their respective roles with ease on excellent album opener Enlighten. It may be built around a riff of Zeppelin-esque proportions, but its real appeal lies in the beautiful dynamic the band employ, with trippy guitars allowing plenty of space for Glenn’s still-stunning voice to roam free. However, when the band bring the rock, as they do on the chorus, it’s the sound of thunder roaring overhead and, when Joe lets loose with a heroic slide solo, you’ll lose your mind entirely. Having launched the album so effectively, the band head into Burn territory with the frighteningly funky Stay Free. However, while the verse may see Glenn strutting around the room, Joe’s waiting in the wings with a monstrous great riff and a manic glint behind those ever-present sunglasses. This is the sound of a band absolutely in command of their influences and, as unlikely as it may seem, it equals (and potentially even eclipses) the band’s absolutely awe-inspiring II. And my god, they’re not done with us yet. As Red Sun explodes, Joe’s on fire as he throws riff after riff at Jason’s rock-solid percussion, while Glenn simply sings his ass off – once again proving himself to unequivocally be one of the very best voices hard rock has ever produced. Moving from soulful croon to hard rock wail, he simply launches himself at each and every song, and you can only stand in awe at the strength and passion of his performance.
The band finally take pity on the audience, offering up the beautiful blues of Restless, so that we can catch our breath. As you might expect from a band that features Joe Bonamassa, it’s a masterclass in slow-burning intensity, and it’s wonderful to hear the interplay between his subtle guitar work and Derek’s keyboards as the track progresses. With Glenn slowly ramping up the power, it all leads to a dizzying solo that steals the breath away, and before we know it, BCC slam their foot back on to the gas with the taut, AC/DC-esque Letting Go.
Opening the second half, Skyway is one of those songs that sounds exactly as its title implies, with Joe’s multitracked guitar soaring into the clouds. Jason can be heard yelling the count to the explosive Love And Faith, another track that allows a touch of funk to creep into proceedings, giving the track a swagger, albeit with tearaway riffs never far behind. The band switch things up on You’re Not Alone, which combines Zeppelin and The Who, the latter evident in an extended jam that runs through the heart of the song as Joe and Glenn trade lines. The snappy Too Far Gone is a heavy duty rocker that neatly amalgamates The Who and Soundgarden, before the album comes to its end with The Open Road. A lengthy finale, it’s a deeply evocative piece, nailed by the band, but led by the indomitable Hughes who, once again, delivers a vocal of such power and grace, you can’t help but be moved by it.
Black Country Communion have had their share of troubles, but the unique and potent chemistry they display here is impossible to resist, and there’s a sense that, with V the band have hit the peak of their not inconsiderable powers. Jason, Joe, Derek, and Glenn all bring their absolute best here, each is inspired by the other, and the result is a ten-track masterclass in heavy rock. If anyone has the gall to tell you that rock is in trouble, simply play them this and watch their doubts dissolve. 10/10
