23 June 2008 No Comment

Hailing from the Kanawha River Valley of southern West Virginia, the five-piece band is not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. Produced by one-time Blind Melon bandmates Brad Smith and Christopher Thorn, the songs on American Minor’s self-titled, full-length debut prove to be not quite as hook heavy as the aforementioned retro acts. But the group has a more apparent hard rocking edge, which will appeal to the headbangers. Chockfull of bluesy leads and soulful vocals, organ also plays a prominent part in American Minor’s sound, as evidenced by such tracks as “Mr. Queen.” But the best bits are when the boys crank the amp’s up to ten — on “Shine” and album opener “Walk On,” quite possibly the album’s best track. Review by Greg Prato @ allmusic.com

1. Walk On
2. Break
3. Cheaters & Non-Believers
4. Mr. Queen
5. Don’t Jump The Gun
6. Buffalo Creek
7. Shine
8. All My Time
9. Change
10. One Last Supper
11. Sleepwalking