The Buddy Blake Band – “Lawrence of Albuquerque” Rock’s Glorious Return
When I first cranked up “Lawrence of Albuquerque” by THE BUDDY BLAKE BAND, it was like stepping into a time machine and blasting straight back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, but with a fresh set of wheels. This band out of Pensacola is cookin’ up something special, and it’s got that classic rock soul with a modern twist that just grabs ya.
Kicking off with “Universal Band,” these cats waste no time. That opening guitar riff? Pure magic, man. It’s like they channeled the spirit of the rock gods and let it rip. And when the vocals hit, soaring up there with the likes of Plant and Mercury, you know you’re in for a wild ride.
“Lonely Now” keeps the party rolling with a groove that’s got more bounce than a ’64 Impala. It’s got that Beatles harmony vibe wrapped in a gritty alt-rock shell. Makes you wanna groove and shake like the old days, but with a punch that says, “Yeah, we’re here, and we’re now.”
Then they ease off the gas a bit with “What If I Told You,” giving us a breather with some laid-back, introspective vibes. It’s like they dipped into a bit of that Coldplay magic but kept it real with a twist of that ’60s flair. The kind of track that gets you thinking about the big stuff while you’re kicking back.
But hold on, because “(This Is) The Way The World Ends” cranks it back to eleven. It’s a powerhouse, man, like Hendrix and Rush decided to throw down together. It’s the kind of jam that gets your blood pumping and your head banging.
“Always Good In My Heart” then cools it down with a sweet, soulful groove. It’s like a slow dance with a rock ‘n’ roll heart, all warm and fuzzy but with that edge that keeps it from getting too mushy.
And just when you think you’ve got these guys pegged, they hit you with “Hey Gurl” and “Wonder,” showing off their range and keeping you on your toes. “Hey Gurl” is an all-out assault that’ll have you bobbing your head like it’s 1975, and “Wonder” brings in that ’90s groove with a bit of country twang that’s just cool, man.
Closing out with “No More,” they bring it all home. It’s like Zeppelin met Lennon in a blues bar and decided to jam until dawn. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s got that sophistication that says these guys know their stuff.
Listen, “Lawrence of Albuquerque” isn’t just an album; it’s a statement. THE BUDDY BLAKE BAND is saying loud and clear that classic rock ain’t just a thing of the past—it’s alive, kicking, and ready to take on the world. And for an old rock fan like me, it’s like finding a long-lost treasure. So, here’s to THE BUDDY BLAKE BAND for keeping the flame burning and showing the kids how it’s done. Rock on, fellas. Rock on.
Guest Review by John Pinkerton
Bandcamp: https://thebuddyblakeband.bandcamp.com/album/lawrence-of-albuquerque
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/78QJteNag3a3li0q0De5m0?si=5CC1vPnCQPyLVxG6dBEFFQ
