In the realm of stoner doom, where the weighty riffs and heavy grooves reign supreme, Restless Spirit emerges as a band that defies expectations. While Long Island might not be the first place one associates with this genre, Restless Spirit has been on a mission to change that since its inception in 2015. Their journey, however, has been a tumultuous one, with their 2023 album, 'Afterimage', suffering from disastrous production that left listeners struggling to enjoy the music. Now, with their self-titled fourth album, Restless Spirit makes a bold course correction, offering a lighter, more rocking effort that still packs a punch. But is it enough to elevate them to the ranks of Clutch, Fireball Ministry, and Freedom Hawk?
One thing that immediately stands out is the band's ability to blend the familiar with the fresh. The opening track, 'The Burning Need', is a slick, bluesy hard rock number that pays homage to the likes of C.O.C. with its big riffs and feedback-laden sound. It's groovy, crunchy, and full of balls, with a chorus that really pops and sticks in your craw. This is the kind of music that makes you want to punch a boulder, and it's a refreshing change from the heavier, more doom-laden sounds that typically dominate the stoner rock scene. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Restless Spirit manages to capture the essence of southern rock while still maintaining their own unique identity. It's a testament to the band's skill and versatility.
As the album progresses, 'Hallowed' takes center stage with its spacey, moody vibe. The hooks are there, and the riffs do most of the talking, with a vintage Monster Magnet feel in its DNA. The guitar work is agile and interesting, with moments of introspective melancholy effectively stirred into the brew. This is the kind of music that makes you want to close your eyes and let the sounds wash over you, and it's a welcome change from the more aggressive tracks on the album. 'Desolations Wake' is another standout, with its rocked-out, rowdy approach that takes the listener to entertainingly punchy places. The hard-charging guitar work is reminiscent of Freedom Hawk, and it's a track that will undoubtedly find its way onto many summer playlists.
However, not everything on the album hits the mark. While nothing is bad, cuts like 'Red in Tooth and Claw' feel a bit more generic and safe. 'Time and Distance', at nearly seven minutes, passes pretty well thanks to the powerhouse guitar work and forceful vocals, but it does feel a bit overlong by the end. The nearly nine-minute closer, 'Phantom Pain', features a 70s psych-rock flavor that reminds me of Wino's solo material, and the laid-back, emotive guitars pair well with the rougher, heavier riffs. But the length isn't entirely justified, and by the sixth minute, things start to feel too stretched out. At just over 40 minutes, tracks like these make the album feel longer than it really is, despite a good amount of interesting ideas and solid performances across the board.
At the heart of Restless Spirit's universe is Paul Alosio, whose riffs and emotive fretboarding provide the foundation for everything. He's quite adept at crafting powerful, sinuous leads that grab your attention, and he pairs his leads with an effectively rough but melodic vocal approach. Marc Morello backs him up with thick, fat basslines that rumble and quake in all the best ways, while kitman Jon Gusman pounds away with abandon and a keen sense of groove. This is a talented trio, but their mostly good works get partially undermined by occasionally inconsistent writing and a bloat outbreak on the album's ass-end. Despite these flaws, Restless Spirit is a lesser creature than 'Afterimage' and 'Blood of the Old Gods', but when it hits the mark, it will leave a deep impression on your ears.
In my opinion, 'Restless Spirit' is a solid effort that showcases the band's growth and evolution. While it may not be their best work, it's a step in the right direction, and it's worth checking out. The production is vastly better than on their previous album, feeling warm and bright, and the guitars have the proper weight, with a satisfyingly deep drum sound. The band's talent is evident throughout, and I'm still a big believer in what the future holds for Restless Spirit. Talent abides, and spirits lurk endlessly, after all. So, hail the Isle of Long, and let the summer sun and outdoor beer drinking begin!
