Band: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Release: Last Of A Dyin’ Breed (Album)
Release Date: Out Now
After three years of waiting, Lynyrd Skynyrd are back with their incredible thirteenth album ‘Last of A Dyin’ Breed’ via Roadrunner Records. With the summer weather during to a close over here in the UK, it’s perfect timing that this raw southern rock album hits our UK shores this September with its feel good vibes and warming riffs, it’s definitely an album to bring the sunshine back into life.
Kicking off the album with an electrifying start is the title track ‘Last Of A Dyin’ Breed’ which signifies the best of Lynyrd Skynyrd with ease as the beats leisurely rhythm takes its hold underneath the blaring of the guitar, screaming out riffs that get your head bobbing and your pulse racing. The harmonious vocals of frontman Johnny Van Zant chorus out over the top in a breath taking flow of emotion as he sings “I’ve been around playin’ and gamblin’ but Lord I’m free. Saddle up baby, ride up close to me. An open highway’s all I’ll ever need, last of a dyin’ breed” making all us Brits wish we were cruising down the Route 66 in an open top convertible when we listen to this song.
‘Mississippi Blood’ is that hard rocking country song where the banjo comes out and the drum beat rattles as the vocals come down an octave, producing that gorgeous southern twang that comes from the homeland of Jacksonville for this band. The ballads of the album ‘Ready To Fly’ and ‘Honey Hole’ are no ‘Free Bird’, but they’re still beautiful, elegant and powerful, with soulful pianos and elongated guitar solos, over raw, deep lyrics, winding down the atmosphere after the infectious grooves of the rest of the album that make it difficult to sit still.
‘Good Teacher’ is exactly what it says on the tin, a good teaching song to anyone who wants to learn the generic sound of southern rock as it highlights the heavy, bluesy sound in its most glorious form. ‘One Day At A Time’ is another gem on the album that is definitely worth a listen.
All in all, if you are a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s earlier work you will not be disappointed, although if you haven’t heard the last few albums this may feel a little heavier than you might be accustomed to. But it’s a great album that’s a lot more mature but still keeping that fresh southern feeling that has put this band squarely on the map.
8/10
Reviewer: Louisa Smith
