Work Of The Nocturnal

Although you may not hear this record at the club, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are sure to keep you grooving. They deliver yet another solid album, This is Somewhere, their second released with Hollywood Records.The Nocturnals’ blend of rock and blues is unique. Potter’s voice is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow, yet she possesses a range like Christina Aguilera. Combined with her mastery of meaningful lyrics and soulful music, the band’s passion is conveyed through strong percussion, guitar, bass, and piano.

This is Somewhere begins with a politically aggressive track, “Ah Mary.” The song portrays America as your so-called innocent girl next door: “She’s skilled at the art of deception and she knows it / she’s got dirty money that she plays with all the time.”

“Stop the Bus” gets the blood flowing with Scott Tournet’s riveting guitar solo and Potter’s lyrics: “Stop the bus and turn the radio up high / and grab the first guitar you see.” The excitement in this track promises an insane live jam.

The album continues with several ballads such as “Big White Gate,” projecting sincere emotion and experience. However, the Nocturnals can turn it back up with more upbeat melodies, such as the angry “Here’s to the Meantime” or the confident “If I Was from Paris.” Meanwhile, “Ain’t No Time” is one to chill to, as “there’s far too many things to do / before the day is through.” So bring on the day, and the next album.