Josh Hill Band (self-released)
In the press release that accompanies this, Josh Hill Band's debut, group leader Hill admits, "I have moved all over the place to find the perfect band, and found it here in Ohio." He certainly does sound comfortable with his band, which also includes drummer Dylan Roth and bassist Dave Super. The rousing opening number "Pariah" is a blues track, but it's so heavy, it sounds a bit like Soundgarden. The guys simmer down for "Live Until You Die" and "Goodbye Browneyes," more traditional blues tracks that betray their Black Crowes' influence. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Hill's a powerful singer, and the trio format gives him just the right amount of juice; the group's a nice addition to Northeast Ohio's garage blues/jam scene.
The Josh Hill Band performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Musica in Akron.