One of the finest, modern Stadium Rock albums that I've heard for a very long time.
Better known for their cover of Styx's 'Renegade', Alabama's Shallow Side have come up with an absolute cracker of a sophomore release. 'Origins' was solid, but this is exceptional – the master-stroke being to get Michael "Elvis" Baskette in to produce the whole affair. However, the star of the show is vocalist Eric Boatright whose performance on this album elevates the songs from good to superb.
You get a little bit of everything on 'Saints & Sinners'; it features the influence of various acts like Black Stone Cherry, Alice In Chains and Saving Abel wrapped up in a Stadium Rock shell with all the hooks and sing-along choruses that you could ever need.
From the Alice In Chains meets Bon Jovi style of the title-track and the Def Havana-tinged 'Temptations' through to the phenomenal emotional power ballad 'Not Alone' – lighter waving in the air should definitely make a comeback – the quality throughout is quite simply staggering.
Opener 'Revival' hints at early Black Stone Cherry without plagiarism and of the heavier material, the riff-orientated 'Hallelujah' is an undoubted standout. Without a filler in sight, 'Saints & Sinners' goes old-school with some great songs, hooks and melodies whilst also being custom-built for modern times. This is one of the finest, modern Stadium Rock albums that I've heard for a very long time.
Mike Newdeck
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