The new album by Walk That Walk, titled “The Lifer”, solidifies this New England band as one of the pillars of roots and contemporary blues. Fronted by veteran guitar player and singer Poppa C DeSnyder, the recording shows a remarkable maturity, seamlessly fusing Chicago and Detroit electric blues with the raw, untamed energy of roots rock. Including eight punchy, hard-hitting tracks, the record breathes fresh, overflowing vitality into traditional structures through masterful performances and a faultless sound.

From the high-octane opening track, “You Can’t Catch Me”, the band communicates an infectious groove, backed by a rock-solid rhythm section. Cuts like “I Ain’t Thinking About You” and “Stand Up, Don’t Quit” ooze genuineness, thanks to DeSnyder’s gritty vocals and razor-sharp harmonica work. The lively and crisp production allows every instrument to breathe with total freedom, allowing more dynamic tracks like “Get Up” to successfully capture the raw energy and spontaneity of their electrifying live shows.

Midway through the album, songs like “Make Mine a Double” and the title track, “The Lifer,” raise the whole sound with a thick groove and stinging guitar solos. Lyrically, the songs explore perseverance and a lifelong devotion to music, perfectly mirroring the spirit of a band that has shared the stage with legendary blues names. Finally, the upbeat, optimistic closer song “One Sunny Day” leaves a lasting impression, confirming Walk That Walk’s excellent impression and the band’s good form throughout the whole recording.

A highly recommended record for fans of robust, high-energy, traditional blues delivered with genuine, heartfelt passion.