REX BROWN – Smoke On This

REX BROWN - Smoke On This
  • 7/10
    REX BROWN - Smoke On This - 7/10
7/10

Summary

Steamhammer/SPV
Release date: July 28, 2017

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User Review
8/10 (1 vote)

Smoke On This is the solo debut of Rex Brown, Bassist for Pantera, Down, and Kill Devil Hill. Smoke On This features Brown singing, playing rhythm guitar, as well as bass guitar, and features cowriter Lance Harvill on lead guitar and Christopher Williams (Accept, Blackfoot) on drums.

If you pick up this album expecting to hear Pantera, you’ll be disappointed. It’s not Metal at all. It’s very much Bluesy Rock, with some forays into Psychedelic Rock (“Get Yourself Alright”), and even some very heavy Beatles influence (a la “Grace”). Brown’s vocals are deep and gravelly, at times very reminiscent of Gene Simmons of Kiss. There is ample Rock ‘n’ Roll swagger in several of the tracks. “So Into You” kicks off with a riff very similar to Buckcherry’s “Bad Girlfriend” before heading off in a different direction. The opening track, “Lone Rider” is another rocker. “Best Of Me’ is another Psychedelic infused track that works its way around to a big Rock crescendo.

Overall, the songs are well written and Smoke On This is well produced. Perhaps almost too well. The vocals and guitars are clearly doubled and tripled, and at times sound overproduced. The lead guitar is in the pocket — nothing too flashy. Just fits the songs and sounds a bit formulaic. Bluesy Rock fans will enjoy, and those curious about Rex Brown’s personal sound and style should definitely give a listen. Smoke On This is a solid record.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Author

  • Stevie Shred

    Stevie was a reviewer here at Metal Express Radio. He is currently the lead guitarist for Melodic Rock band Red Reign, based in Richmond, Virginia, USA. Red Reign toured with Tesla in 2017, and shared the stage with Dokken, FireHouse, Lita Ford, Kix, Quiet Riot, and others at various dates around the US in 2018. Stevie heard his first KISS record at the age of 6 and was immediately hooked on Rock and Roll guitar. Over the course of years his tastes evolved, graduating from KISS to Ozzy and Van Halen; and then into Hair Metal. Over time, harder and faster music drew him. Bands like Metallica, Pantera, and Anthrax led the way, and Killswitch Engage took him over the top. Stevie has a deep passion for the guitar, not only playing them, but building them as well.

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