WOOD BURNT RED // HOLD ON TIGHT // ALBUM REVIEW

Let’s start with the name, Wood Burnt Red; it came from frontman Tom Franklin’s obsession with barbecuing! Essentially, it is a reference to the charcoal and wood that have been burned, which is quite fitting as the music has a strong Southern flavour.

Bearing that in mind, there’s always a danger when a British band embraces the sounds of the American South: you can get it wrong so it doesn’t sound authentic; you end up with a collection of second–hand riffs, cowboy cliches and a desperate attempt to sound more Nashville than Nashville itself. Wood Burnt Red avoid that trap; on their debut, they use the ingredients of Country Blues and Americana to create a special smoking flavour that feels natural.

From the opening sounds, it is clear that the band understand the importance of a good song. The guitars have grit, the rhythm section provides a solid driving foundation; you can call it the perfect scaffolding if you like. Tom Franklin’s deep, weathered vocal gives the material a distinct identity and taste. There is plenty of swagger, but also a sense of vulnerability; that combination creates the album’s strengths.

Opening number ‘Best Things’ sets the tone; it is a tongue-in-cheek look at modern life, where we constantly strive under pressure to have more, achieve more and look successful. Wood Burnt Red don’t preach their message; they deliver the observations with humour, with a country groove.

‘Fire Me Up’ is hot, full of big guitars, a powerful chorus and an underlying rhythm that is infectious; it is a full – blown rocker. The Country vibe is best exemplified by ‘Bartender ’, a beautifully constructed piece of storytelling that could easily have come from Nashville itself. The guitars ensure this remains a Rock record rather than some Country Blues number.

There is plenty of variety on Hold On Tight; that is key in its appeal. ‘Count My Blessings’ takes a more reflective approach, while ‘Drifting’ explores uncertainty in the direction your life has been and is going. ‘One Chance’ is full of energy, while ‘Every Road’ brings the feel of Americana back to proceedings. ‘Simple Place’ celebrates the uncomplicated things in life that can easily be overlooked as we strive for purpose and success.

The emotional peak is ‘Where Are You Now ’; it is about regret, the people who have passed through our lives, and the relationships we let slip through our fingers. Franklin delivers this without unnecessary melodrama, but with true conviction. What makes the album work is its authenticity; this isn’t a British band pretending to be American, it is a British band taking a musical direction they clearly love and making it their own.

Wood Burnt Red have produced a fine debut, but I sense this is only the beginning; their sound has enough variety to appeal to both Southern Rock and Country Blues fanbases.

Review: Paul Mace

Fans can order the CD and vinyl edition of the debut album here – https://www.woodburntred.com/. The digital edition of the album is available to pre-save here – https://ffm.to/holdontight_wbr

ALBUM TRACK LISTING

1. Best Things (3:11)

2. Fire Me Up (3:30)
3. Count My Blessings (4:24)
4. Bartender (3:09)
5. Drifting (3:17)
6. One Chance (3:07)
7. Every Road (3:13)
8. Time’s A Healer (2:49)
9. Simple Place (3:52)
10. To The Moon (3:33)
11. Where You Are Now (3:39)

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Writers: Wood Burnt Red & Tyler Spicer
Producer: Tyler Spicer
Mixed By: Todd Peterson
Mastered By: Sam Moses

BAND LINE-UP

Tom Franklin – Lead Vocals & Guitar
Rob Graney – Lead Guitar
Russ Staples – Bass Guitar
Ed Baldwin – Drums