Keith and the Cockroaches charge into new territory with Bones of the Sweet, a 12-track powerhouse that elevates their blues/punk fusion into something grander, bolder, and fiercely authentic. Building on the raw spirit of Hatless and Blind (2023) and Spell of the Cockroaches (2024), this album plunges deeper into New Orleans and Mississippi blues roots, weaves in rugged rock energy, and pulses with a vinyl-inspired flow. It’s professional artistry—unadorned, unflinching, yet laced with a playful wink for those who listen closely. Bones of the Sweet demands your full attention, rewarding with a dynamic arc that feels like flipping a record from A to B.
Bones of the Sweet casts a spell of juke joint revelry and punk-charged energy, a record that burns bright and resonates deep.
The album ignites with “Devil You Know,” a high-octane blues-rock anthem steeped in New Orleans voodoo. Its driving rhythm and serrated guitar lines grab you by the collar, while the lyrics—sharp and immediate—spark a dancefloor frenzy. The title track, “Bones of the Sweet,” shifts gears, its midtempo, time-travelling sound weaving a hypnotic journey through the band’s expanded sonic realm, with reverb-soaked chords that feel both ancient and urgent. “A Shovel and a Lover” slows to a smoldering blues crawl, a fan-favorite gem that trades mainstream polish for raw, heartfelt depth, its deliberate pacing a testament to the album’s variety.
“So Perfect” snaps back to midtempo, channeling the band’s classic sound with a call-and-response between Keith’s raspy croon and a taunting guitar riff, pure Cockroaches swagger. The pace quickens with “Got a Urge,” a dirty, Delta-infused banger, perfect for cruising with the windows down. Its slide-driven guitar work—some of the album’s finest—snarls with roadhouse grit. “Next Moon” keeps the midtempo pulse, its radio-friendly sheen and vocal-forward mix layering into a textured, wave-like flow that breathes with the album’s vinyl soul.
Kicking off the B-side, “Old Man’s Cave” roars with energetic, American-fused New Orleans blues, demanding active ears with its vibrant, rootsy attack. “Stars (Too Early),” a counterpart to “A Shovel and a Lover,” leans into fan-focused intimacy, its understated vibe rewarding loyal listeners over casual ones. “My Favorite Poison” conjures a cinematic, soundtrack-like aura, another authentic piece crafted for discerning ears, with haunting melodies that linger like smoke.
“Sweeten the Bait” rockets back to the rock side, mirroring “Devil You Know” with its clear, radio-ish punch. Relatable and fun, its crisp production and infectious hooks make it instantly accessible, a bold nod to the masses without losing the band’s edge. “Come Back to the Garden” slows again, a harmony-driven ode to man-pain, built for the stage with a searing guitar solo and a singalong chorus that sticks. Closing with “Worth a Damn,” the album lands on a loveable, classic blues note, a perfect goodbye that distills what makes Keith and the Cockroaches peerless—heart, grit, and a wink to the road ahead.
The vinyl-inspired structure, with its A/B-side arc and tempo swings, gives Bones of the Sweet a pulse that feels alive, though the relentless intensity can occasionally crave more breathing room. Still, this is the band at their most confident, expanding their blues/punk fusion with Mississippi mud, New Orleans spice, and raw rock fire. Compared to peers like The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion or Dr. John, Keith and the Cockroaches forge a rawer, more vibrant path, fusing New Orleans mystique with Mississippi fire.
For fans and newcomers alike, Bones of the Sweet is a must-hear, a record that resonates with grit and heart. It’s not just an album—it’s magical music, delivered with a sly grin and a raised glass.
Recommended Tracks: “Devil You Know,” “Got a Urge,” “Sweeten the Bait,” “Come Back to the Garden”
Rating: 8.8/10
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