Category : album review, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, chicago, Specter at the Feast
Robert Levon Been, Peter Hayes, and Leah Shaprio carry on after the loss of Michael Been, who was not only their producer and mentor but Robert’s father and a father figure for the whole band. On their seventh album, Specter At The Feast, you can hear BRMC as they go through the motions of dealing with such a loss.
In tribute, they cover “Let the Day Begin”; a song from Michael Been’s former band, The Call. The addition of Peter Hayes’ signature guitar sound gives the song a fresh modern update.
“Fire Walker” introduces an irresistible, slow burning groove that is an immediate highlight. “Funny Games” features Been on the verses while Hayes comes in to sing a dramatic chorus, adding the perfect dynamic. Other standouts include the straight forward rock and roll of 'Hate the Taste' and "Lose Yourself", which is reminiscent of Coldplay's "Fix You" and equally as epic.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club don’t really look to break any new ground, most of these songs could be flawlessly added to any of their previous records. But rather they continue their tradition of quality songwriting.