THE COMMONERS – Restless (2024) *HQ*
We were very pleased by Toronto, Canada based THE COMMONERS previous album, an enjoyable collection of songs finding common ground in the classic rock of Free and Led Zeppelin, and the Southern flavorings of Black Crowes and Blackberry Smoke, by combining tasty riffs and soul-tinged vocals.
Upon first listen to the first few tracks on ”Restless”, THE COMMONERS new album, you might think this is a great party band to see live. And they are. But these rock and rollers with a 70s influence have another side to them, and it’s part of what makes this 4-piece unique. It’s not just their soulfulness – it’s their inspired songwriting, their willingness to take risks. With one helluva lead singer fronting the group of talented musicians, you can hear they’re all thoroughly invested in their music. You don’t often find that.
Following their critically acclaimed album Find a Better Way (2022), new opus ”Restless” opens a window to life on the road, including grueling routines and exhaustion behind the veneer of a Rock band on the rise. This album is not cookie-cutter, which isn’t always the case with rock & roll.
“Devil Teasin’ Me” jumpstarts the CD with Ross Hayes Citrullo’s infectious guitar riffs, followed by Chris Medhurst’s vocals that at times bear an uncanny resemblance to Lou Gramm’s, which is never a bad thing. The song is well crafted bluesy melodic rock.
“As with our previous album, we wanted to marry old and new classic rock together in a way that was unique to the band’s Canadian roots,” says the Commoners’ guitarist and producer Ross Hayes Citrullo.
The Commoners have a handle on guitar and bass hooks as with “The Way I Am,” a dynamic rock song about a romance that’s just out of reach, a common theme in rock and blues. Lead singer Medhurst delivers passion and fire as Citrullo plays one of many innovative guitar solos on the set of 10 songs on the album.
The rock ballad, title track “Restless” is completely different. A standout. Opening with acoustic, twin guitars, and a slower pace that lends itself to more soulfulness, Medhurst sings about life on the road, the struggles, the weariness. He admits he still feels restless. “The beast is unfed.” Melodic chord changes lend to the emotion of the song, with Medhurst singing at some of his best on the record. The slide guitar passage is beautiful, moving.
“Who Are You” gives you the Saturday night party band you’ve been looking for, all with a bluesy base. It’s a tantalizing rocker about telling someone off who’s full of put downs.
Changing things up, “Body and Soul” is an exceptional tune that opens with a haunting minor key. It’s a bit darker than the other tracks, about a tortured relationship and the pull when you know it isn’t good for you. Excellent guitar with distortion, with a David Gilmour feel. Medhurst’s vocals are right on point when conveying pain and conflict, and the band zeroes in on what it takes to play close to the edge.
“See You Again” is a bit of a whiplash but stands as a fully cohesive, melodic track grounded by acoustic guitar, piano and solid drums. This band knows how to write melody. Medhurst sings about the loss of drummer Adam Cannon’s father who passed away while the band was touring in the UK and their difficult decision to keep touring. A highlight track.
The album closes with an acoustic guitar number, a daring choice given the first few tracks are rockers. Emotional and revealing, the lyrics ask questions about one’s purpose in life. It’s inspirational in nature, and reveals how authentic this band really is.
Possessing a sound drawn from the deep, oaken belly of a whiskey barrel, The Commoners offer a unique blend of tried and true classic rock elements, infusing their sound with high-energy riffs, soulful vocals, and rich harmonies that collectively transport the listener on a journey through an authentic melodic Southern-style rock experience.
”Restless” is their more intense, varied album to date, and if you’re in the need of a true Rock album by real musicians, grab a copy now.
Highly Recommended
01 – Devil Teasin’ Me
02 – Shake You Off
03 – The Way I Am
04 – Restless
05 – Gone Without Warning
06 – Who Are You
07 – Body and Soul
08 – See You Again
09 – Too Soon to Know You
10 – All That We Have
Chris Medhurst (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)
Ross Hayes Citrullo (lead guitar)
Ben Spiller (bass, piano, backing vocals)
Adam Cannon (drums, percussion, backing vocals)
with:
Miles Evans-Branagh (keyboards, backing vocals)
Pre order:
propermusic.com/products/thecommoners-restless
