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This West Virginian quintet is well set to cause more than just a few ripples on the rock music pond. Cooking up an eclectic pot of Southern groove and classic rock, American Minor possesses a natural sound that shouts retro rather than whispers it.The guitars are edgy the hooks unapparent, unlocking themselves after repeated plays. Produced by Chris Thorn and Brad Smith, better remembered from their Blind Melon days, American Minor’s exceptional debut album has too many highlights to mention. ‘Walk On’ and ‘Break’ echo the Black Crowes, whilst ‘Don’t Jump the Gun’ has shades of the blues. ‘Buffalo Creek’ a tale of the 1972 West Virginia dam collapse and ‘Shine’ illustrate an appreciation of British blues rock, being in the vein of Free whilst a Tom Petty influence can clearly be heard in the vocal phrasing. Unashamedly retro, American Minor’s debut album is also hugely enjoyable, refusing steadfastly to suck up to, rub shoulders with, or ultimately become influenced by current musical trends.