Stoner Metal fans are certainly no stranger to vocalist/guitarist Spice as a longtime member of Swedish rockers Spiritual Beggars. He and drummer Bob Ruben (The Mushroom River Band) released Spice & The RJ Band’s debut The Will in 2007. Now with Shave Your Fear, the band returns with 15 new songs of raucous, catchy Hard Rock guaranteed to make you want a beer.

Showcasing influences from tons of 70s Hard Rock acts as well as more current underground Rock acts, Spice & The RJ Band delvier a sound that is both familiar and fresh. Tracks such as “Where Wild Horses Die”, “Bad Account” and “The Womb” carry an aggressive, octane-charged energy while others like “No One Told Me”, “Tonite” and “I Beg Your Pardon…” show a more Foo Fighters/Cheap Trick, dare I say “Pop”, sensibility. There are also traces of Psychedelic/deep groove Stoner Rock in the form of “The Man In The Mirror”, “Don’t Turn The Shades” and “I’ll Take The Blame”. Overall, I’d call this a blend of Stoner Metal (ala Spiritual Beggars), 70s Hard Rock (like Led Zeppelin, Blue Cheer) and 90s Alt Rock (the aforementioned Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots’ heavier moments, etc). The raw, grainy production values add an air of sincerity and honesty to the record as a whole.

This is by no means a typical Stoner Rock release or a retro throwback. This is an honest Hard Rock record from a band with roots as well as a forward thinking ambition. I am finding it quite enjoyable and a lot of fun when cranked up to the appropriate volume levels. Check it out…

[Visit the band's website]

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