Good Life [LP]

Philadelphia's John the Conqueror are still in full command of their blues power on their second album, The Good Life, and what they did well on their self-titled debut they do very well here. Guitarist Pierre Moore's tough, wiry guitar figures take the traditions of blues-rock and give them a strenuous workout without playing them for too much flash, and drummer Michael Gardner and bassist Ryan Lynn are a powerful rhythm section who get the job done with lots of force and plenty of groove. The addition of Steve Lynn on keyboards is a good move, adding a welcome tonal color to the tunes without interfering with the band's core approach. If the songwriting is sometimes short on imagination and variety, The Good Life confirms that there are the makings of a great band in John the Conqueror, and blues fans should find plenty to interest them, including a strong cover of Randy Newman's "Let's Burn Down the Cornfield." ~ Mark Deming