Brooklyn-based BLACK WATER RISING plays groovy, low-tuned sludge/ stoner rock with a big wall of sound and loads of hooks and melodies.Their debut self-titled album took two years to write, and vocalist/ guitarist Rob Traynor produced it. Traynor, ex-DUST TO DUST, has a soulful and melodic vocal range, and former STEREOMUD guitarist Johnny Fattoruso lays down some solid riffs and tasty leads. It's a very guitar-driven album with a good hard-rock sound.
Recently signed to Giddy Up! Records, BLACK WATER RISING has a hard- rocking modern sound that is assessable and radio friendly. There’s a touch of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s southern rock feel with GODSMACK's modern-rock approach. Throw in a little BLACK LABEL SOCIETY (minus Zakk's leads) and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE ("Hate Machine") and you have some strong rock songs with a groove. It's not groundbreaking, but they do an admirable job keeping the spirit of hard rock alive.
Their first single, "Brother Go On," has gained some great response, and they have built a steady following on MySpace and YouTube, as well as radio play on Sirius Satellite’s Octane station. This song is the best example of what BLACK WATER RISING is all about. "No Halos" has a familiar sound with modern elements. "Living Proof" combines a huge riff with Traynor’s melodic vocals. "Sale On your Soul" sounds similar to DUST TO DUST, with a little STONE TEMPLE PILOTS flair added for good measure. The album’s only downfall: there isn’t much tempo variation in the songs, they are all slow to mid-tempo.
BLACK WATER RISING is a great new band with tremendous potential.
Hopefully, their effort and ambition will be rewarded, and maybe they can prove they have staying power.
