Grace Potter And The Nocturnals: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Grace Potter And The Nocturnals
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Ragged Company/Hollywood
[Rating: 3.5 Stars]

Soulful, passionate and dripping with classic rock and blues influences, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals’ self-titled third album showcases their new five-piece line up, and a track list that displays their growth as songwriters and as a band.

Named one of the “Best Bands of 2010” by Rolling Stone Magazine, the Vermont rockers recently added Catherine Popper, former bassist with Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, and rhythm guitarist Benny Yarco, who plays with GPN lead guitarist Scott Tournet and drummer Matt Burr in their side project, Blues & Lasers. The album is produced by Mark Batson, who has produced artists including Dr. Dre, Eminem and Dave Matthews Band. Grace Potter houses a barrage of sounds ranging from deep-rooted rock tracks like the first single “Tiny Light” to sultry ballads like “Only Love.” “Paris,” “Goodbye Kiss” and “Low Road” show the band’s affinity for classic rock and blues. With hard-hitting rock numbers like “Medicine” and “Oasis,” the magic of the new line-up is unmistakable. Grace Potter’s voice is unbelievable on this album, resembling a combination of Bonnie Raitt, Joss Stone and Grace Slick. Potter’s voice is the perfect compliment to the band’s newly designed dual-guitar blitz.