Review: The Curt Towne Band – At It Again
Self-Released (November 10th 2023)
Reviewer: Chris O’Connor
Get ready to be transported to the heart of Southern Rock euphoria with the sensational sophomore album, ‘At It Again,’ courtesy of Jacksonville’s very own musical maestros, The Curt Towne Band. Brace yourselves, because this is not just an album – it’s a sonic masterpiece that for this scribe, has effortlessly claimed the title of the best album of 2023.
The anticipation for this gem has been palpable, and oh boy, does it deliver! From the first note of ‘Cyclone’ it’s clear that we are in for a wild ride. The five-piece powerhouse, led by the incomparable Curt Towne, leaves no room for excuses – if you love Southern Rock, ‘At It Again‘ is a non-negotiable addition to your music collection.
Hailing from the musical hotbed of Jacksonville, Florida, The Curt Towne Band boasts a line-up that reads like a who’s who of Southern Rock royalty. With Curt Towne on lead guitar and vocals, Barry Rapp on lead vocals and keyboards, Greg “GT” Thompson on bass and vocals, Mike “Thunderfoot” Cansler on drums, and the enchanting Carol Bristow-Zur on backing vocals, this quintet is a force to be reckoned with.
If you think you know the names Barry Rapp and Carol Bristow-Zur? You are of course correct! Barry was a member of The Henry Paul Band, and Carol is a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special. This wonderful band has shared stages with ‘Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, The Marshall-Tucker Band, Blackberry Smoke, Van Zant, Black Stone Cherry, Bo Bice, Montgomery Gentry, and Cody Jinks, biding their time and honing these awesome songs, waiting to deliver this gem of an album when the time was right … and now is that time!
The album’s production is a thing of beauty, co-helmed by Curt himself and Stan Martell, with mastering duties handled by the legendary Rodney Mills – a name synonymous with Southern Rock history, being the man behind more classic Southern Rock albums than can begin to be listed here. ‘At It Again‘ is not just an album; it’s a sonic journey through the genre’s illustrious past and an exhilarating leap into its future.
Barry Lee Harwood of Rossington-Collins lends his virtuosity to ‘Flowers‘, weaving a spell with his slide guitar and mandolin that adds an extra layer of magic to the already remarkable track. Each song on this album is a testament to the band’s prowess, with Curt Towne‘s guitar skills standing out as a shining beacon of Southern Rock brilliance. His playing is both fiery and elegant, marking him as one of the genre’s great as yet unsung guitarists.
From the anthemic declaration of intent in the opener ‘Cyclone’ to the chest-thumping powerhouse that is ‘Fightin’ Fire‘, ‘At It Again‘ is a relentless riff-fest that never loses its momentum. The band effortlessly navigates between the rollicking fun of ‘West Side‘ – a true party anthem – to the moody hip-swinging allure of ‘I’m Back‘, The sheer quality of each track is undeniable, with ‘Sleeping Dogs‘ channelling the spirit of Molly Hatchet and ‘Ain’t Done Yet‘ emerging as a Southern Rock anthem poised for greatness.
However, the true surprise comes in the form of a Southern Rock rendition of The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be‘. It’s a bold move, but one that pays off in spades, turning a classic into an epic that seamlessly fits into the Southern Rock pantheon. In all honestly, I have never liked the song until now, but this takes it to another place entirely, and has been a genuinely masterful move by the band.
In a year filled with outstanding releases, ‘At It Again‘ stands out as extra-special. Judie Tzuke, Crown Lands, Big Engine, and The Steel Woods put up a splendid fight, but The Curt Towne Band has crafted an album that transcends excellence. If Southern Rock courses through your veins, this album is not just a recommendation – it’s a necessity. No ifs, ands, or buts about it – ‘At It Again‘ is simply marvellous and a must-have in your collection. Hell Yeah!
Tracklist:
1. Cyclone
2. Fighting Fire
3. West Side
4. Flowers
5. Sleeping Dogs
6. I’m Back
7. Ain’t Done Yet
8. Let It Be
ROCKPOSER DOT COM! 