Corruption – Bourbon River Bank (2010)

How would you explain listening to Southern/Stoner Rock from Poland?, we are at loss for words with this very solid release from Poland’s Corruption. The band has been around for quite a while (1991) and we have never heard of them until now, and let us tell you that similarly to Black River, they come rocking, kicking-ass and taking names.

Five years have passed since the band’s latest effort “Virgin's Milk” and they are now back with “Bourbon River Bank”, an album that we would have expected from an American band, but never (ever) from a Polish band. For over 50 minutes, Corruption takes us on a hard rocking journey through 13 powerful and catchy songs.

Opening with the ‘hick-tastic’ song “Beelzeboss” you are quickly introduced to what the band is all about: booze, women and more booze. With the traditional harmonica sound, this song has a Southern vibe for around two minutes before blasting full-speed ahead with the anthemic “Hell Yeah!”.

“Bourbon River Bank” is an album that starts on a high note and never let’s go. Song after song we are treated to hard-rocking pieces that never stop being catchy and effective. With the whole ‘Hard Rock’ genre becoming somewhat popular in Poland with bands like Black River, we can imagine that “Bourbon River Bank” will greatly appeal to all of those that want to rock out like in the good days.

The guitar work on “Bourbon River Bank” is very powerful and full of interestingly simple riffs that serve as a foundation for the rest of the music. During the 50 minutes that this release lasts, we never found ourselves wanting this album to be over, or wishing the band would change their riffs. The diversity of riffs is hefty and will surely keep your ears glued to the speakers to listen to whatever Corruption will spit out for the next song.

Vocal-wise, Rafa "Rufus" Trela does a great job at sounding ‘American’ when singing through the catchy songs. There aren’t many fancy vocal arrangements besides some overlaying tracks, and we love it: simple and clean. The few chorus sections are super catchy and we almost found ourselves chanting alongside during this album, most notably on the track “Bourbon River Bank”.

The rest of the music is rounded up by some tight drumming and a pounding bass guitar line that is a bit obscured by the mix but comes out exactly when needed. The band also has sections when the music goes full-speed and we are treated to some guitar solos that only add extra value to the overall experience.

With catchy songs like “Worlds Collide”, “One Point Losers” and “Bourbon River Bank”, this album is one of the best we have heard in quite a while for this genre. If you like music to relax and enjoy a beer (or two), you should definitely get “Bourbon River Bank” since it will blow you away.

Release: March 9th, 2010

Country: Poland