Blackwood are a high energy rock band from Nashville USA who were born out of the pandemic in 2020 which began life as an online project between friends David Dicks,Keith White and Steve Burgess who were just writing for fun.Chris O' Brien a former work mate of David's was sent an instrumental "Go Wild" and within 45 minutes of receiving it,Chris had a fully finished track in his inbox called "Inundated One" and it was obvious to everyone he was the guy to complete the band line up.Overnight the project  became a proper band, in early 2022 Blackwood played their debut gig at The Mockingbird Theater which was a sell out and the word spread across Tennessee,Kentucky and Alabama.In 2023 they won a Battle Of The Bands competition opening for Diamond Rio to a crowd of 3000 people in which they gained a reputation as a great live band.Now with "Release Me" Blackwood hope grow and build on that reputation with their songwriting.

The opening track "Deliver" has very strong & edgy guitar riffs from the first couple of bars which grabs my attention from the offset,the rhythm section is very bold,also strong , with Chris O' Brien delivering a growling raspy vocal which adds up to a strong opening offering."Sidechick Vampire" has a groove laden swagger which also is a darker track (hence the title!) but the melodies are addictive & catchy which keeps you listening.A song of betrayal & anger is my interpretation of the lyrics to the fierce and bitter "You Said" which is a heavy guitar riff laden track and growling vocals & backing vocals.Blackwood change the tempo for track up next  "You Said" which is a slower track with a sense of sincerity a song centred on guilt and addiction."Best I Ever Had" is another track with dark elements,a song of resentment,a broken down relationship which has more heavy guitar chords. The cover of "Rise" a classic track from The Cult is a darker more heavier reimagining with some edgy vocals which makes the track their own,which does the original justice.The album finishes with the title track "Release Me"  which is a strong title track both musically & vocally which has a modern sound,which I feel is also a very personal track that brings this album to an end with some power & force. "Release Me" is a solid release where I found myself connecting with the tracks and the content of the lyrics.You can sense the anger,the resentment and the feeling of betrayal and despair not just in the song writing, but also within the melodies which create the atmosphere & mood.A great project & now band to come from the pandemic,a great listen and recommended.