Review Summary: While not as diverse as some stoner rock releases of 2011, "Let It Roll" still packs a punch with its remarkably powerful boogie rock.
It's safe to say that Dixie Witch will never change their style. After founding guitarist Clayton Mills left the band two years ago only to be replaced by JT Smith, the fourth album of the Texan power trio doesn't really depart from their all-too-familiar, yet always dependable formula. Just as their previous releases,
Let It Roll explores high-energy riff rock with notable southern leanings. Fans of this rather straightforward blend of heavy music will certainly find this record engrossing since it's loaded with huge arena rock riffs, anthemic choruses and arresting, if fairly conventional dynamics.
While Dixie Witch clearly refuse to step out of their comfort zone, they really step up their game in terms of songwriting, displaying newly acquired maturity. Contrary to the band's previous offerings,
Let It Roll seems really consistent throughout containing only a handful of inferior, less focused tunes. Singing drummer Trinidad Leal complements the tight instrumental performance with soulful howls being more commanding than ever before. In fact, his never-less-than-endearing vocals constitute the greatest asset of the album, making it far more genuine than your average hard rock release.
Even though
Let It Roll relies on the wide range of classic rock influences, it still feels overly homogeneous. The individual tracks just work way better when absorbed one at a time. The album may not exactly overstay its welcome in its short 36-minute running time, yet some segments of it feel sonically repetitive and rehashed. There are just too many tracks on here that share uncannily similar dynamics. It would be desirable for Dixie Witch to be more adventurous by introducing both different tempos and moods into their songs. They should expand their musical palette not only by composing some mellower tracks, but also more abrasive ones. This would certainly put them in the same league with such Small Stone label mates of theirs as Halfway To Gone and Suplecs.
Nonetheless, the brazen, punishing attitude that Dixie Witch display largely makes up for the lack of diversity.
Let It Roll still offers enough in terms of song craft and musicianship to leave a powerful impression on heavy rock fans. This might not be a particularly memorable album in the long run, but it's still legitimately fun to listen to, especially at high volume.
