Review Summary: BBR doesn't really add anything to their catalog.
Highway Cruiser is neither a disappointment nor is it a pleasant surprise.
There are some enjoyable songs here, but the album simply doesn't hit you like BBR's previous efforts, nor is it quite as unique. What's with the cliche/cheesy sounding backing vocals on "Gloria"? The solo in "War Horse" sounds like it was ripped straight from Queens of the Stone Age (even if it does sound good). "Walk Another Line" is probably my favorite song on the album, and "I Can't Find It" has a nice breakdown (if derivative of BBR's own past music) in the latter half.
The worst part is that BBR continue with too much dynamic range compression on the mastering. It sounds dull, and there's audible clipping as well. If you don't know care about sound quality then you probably won't care. For me it's a dealbreaker. I'm not sure how musicians have such a bad ear when it comes to sound quality.
Would I recommend it? Probably not. I don't think you'd be missing much if you didn't get it, but if you're a hardcore BBR fan then it might be something to look into. Though it's not even available in the U.S. (I guess BBR hasn't found much of a U.S. audience, which surprises me).
2.5/5
