Unlikely Saints released one of the most peculiar albums of the year, and this is only their debut. The band's members are Jay (Big Pappa) Flamming, Hudson Hamilton and Richard Paris. They describe their style and music as American roots music with many additional spices and flavours. The list of their influences includes Janis Joplin, Charlie Parker, Bonnie Raitt, Travis Tritt, and Vince Gill. Besides predominant roots, Unlikely Saints also play southern rock, country, blues and folk. Honestly, it is like ZZ Top is meeting Haggard.
All of the above mentioned is mixed into an album whose quality is noticeable after only one listen. From the very first to the very last track, a strong energy is omnipresent. Unlikely Saints are a band for good time and good mood. Jay has a perfect vocal for this type of music and it is impossible not to appreciate the power and candor in his interpretation. The play is flawless, pure and simple. They sound like this is their tenth album and not the first one. Guitar is in the spotlight, so Unlikely Saints come off as a true Southern rock band, only not too raw nor ferocious. It is so interesting that they tend to keep it mild, as If there is a soft layer covering each sonic texture. Even the vocal sounds persistently decent.
Shackles and Chains introduces us to the world of American South, while Beat The Drum is return to the high speed right at the end of the record when you think you have heard it all. So Far Gone is a beautiful ballad that makes sure you can hear everything on this impressive debut - from uptempo to mid tempo and ballads.
Good vibes radiate from debut album of Unlikely Saints and it takes you over after the first listen. Profuse simplicity of their sound is surprisingly pleasant and the vocal sounds like it comes from some other era. Can not wait to hear what Unlikely Saints are going to bring to the table in the future.
