Black Rebel Motorcycle Club/ Beat the Devil’s Tattoo

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Beat the Devil’s Tattoo
(Abstract Dragon / Vagrant)

BRMC sound happier than they used to. Perhaps it is the influence of new drummer Leah Shapiro. Perhaps it is the freedom of releasing on their own label. Perhaps they are simply mellowing.
Having said that, I have the same problem with this album as I do with all BRMC albums to date – I enjoy the first few songs and then zone out as the bass heavy rock becomes over familiar and sans variation.
As usual there are one or two standout pieces of work (in this case, title track ‘Beat the Devil’s Tattoo’ is pretty decent), but for the most part any of these tracks could've happily slotted onto any of the preceding five albums. For a band to show such a startling lack of progression over a musical career of nigh on a decade is kind of impressive, but can wear thin if you’re not a die-hard fan.
So, nothing much new then - although if you are an admirer of the BRMC sound, and fancy indulging in some comfortable familiarity, you won’t be disappointed.