The Russian Wilds by Howlin' Rain

Released:  February 14, 2012
Rating:  74.00
Genre:  Pure Classic Rock

Howlin' Rain is unapologetically steeped in '70s, blues based, hard rock.  There're hints of Aerosmith, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Grand Funk and Steely Dan; with smokin' guitar solos and pounding drums.  The quintet, fronted by Ethan Miller (from Santa Cruz, CA) debuted in 2006. This is their second line up and third album, produced by Rick Rubin

Check out a couple of highlights:

Phantom In The Valley starts off like Quicksilver Messenger Service, then morphs into Abraxas era Santana; 

Cherokee Wolf could have been done by Big Brother and The Holding Company; and

Collage is a actually a cover of the James Gang from 1969's Yer' Album, full of Crosby, Stills and Nash harmonies.