Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

V, the sign of victory, the symbol of defiance, a representation of the battle won in the face of odds perhaps so large that the triumph is more than success, it is the all-encompassing delight of rejoice made clear.

Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian, by themselves forces to reckoned with, musicians to be lauded, to be praised from extravagant alter to corners of fan filled fields where the blast of their chosen instrument is enjoyed with attentive ear; and yet together, blended, melded and forged to attack the senses with impunity and defend the genres of Blues and Rock with aggression, subtly, and ferocious cool, they are arguably, completely, unbeatable.

V sees the foursome reunite under the banner of Black Country Communion, the supergroup who bring the realm of the Midlands industrial heartland to the centre stage of music, and in their first studio album to hit the senses of the listeners since 2017, the wave, the pulse of ingenuity and intense boldness is one that is understandably welcome…more than that, it is a salute the genuine grove and optimism that the foursome bring to the world.

There has never been a moment where the term iconic has not been labelled at the group in the past, and there is no reason to suggest that it starts now, for in V the flavour of what has gone before is once again captured, the perspective of the aims is framed, and the salute to the beauty of creation is full and unrelenting.

If it is possible to roll out the red carpet for an album then V is a candidate for such an accolade, and across tracks such as the bruising divine of the openers Enlighten, Stay Free, and Red Sun, through songs such as Skyway, the truth of You’re Not Alone, Too Far Gone, and the finale of The Open Road that honour is as justified as any that has been released in 2024. 

Produced once more by the prestigious Kevin Shirley, the spirit of the solo performer is enhanced by the unique connection found in the collection of four men who just seem to understand how each of their comrades’ revels in the camaraderie and the solidarity of the musicianship.

This is the communication fans of the band have been aching for, a return to the fore and one delivered with sheer cool.

Ian D. Hall