RED

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: Chris Robinson Brotherhood Does not include Chris Robinson’s brother. Robinson’s relationship with his Black Crowes bandmate Rich is notoriously prickly, so it’s hard not to think that Chris’ new band name holds deeper meaning. But it’s a shame to focus on sour family dynamics when Big Moon Ritual is so damn funky. The Black Crowes have grown from hard rock icons to bluesy jam stars and Big Moon Ritual is Robinson’s next logical step – a full immersion into Southern psychedelics, nine-minute song swoops, extended grooves and wailing vocals. Robinson may have assembled an ace new band (including Ryan Adams guitarist Neal Casal), but Big Moon Ritual is Robinson’s baby. He celebrates his idols (The Allmans, The Dead, CCR and Zeppelin abound) and showcases himself – his vocals lead the charge, and Casal’s guitar daydreams replace his brother’s heavy riffing. It’s a record informed by the road: vast seas of soulful jamming and Robinson’s free-flowing vocals come together now and then for a blowout chorus. We’d never hope that Robinson’s Brotherhood would replace his brother, but is there a world where they can coexist? That’d be Southern rock bliss.