The 4th studio effort from Grace Potter and The Nocturnals called “The Lion The Beast The Beat’ was released on Hollywood Records in June of 2012. The band adds everything but the kitchen sinks as all of these instruments are played at one time or another on the record: shaker, trash cans, percussion, tambourine, sitar, echoplex, and shaker to name a few. Potter and Jim Scott (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and The Tedeschi and Tracks) co-produced the CD.
The title track is the key song on the album as it combines everything; funk, synth, country and grass roots rock. It embodies what’s to come for the rest of the record. “Never Goes Back” is next up. Potter’s voice is more sultry and sexier here. The futuristic guitar sounds from Benny Yurco also come to the forefront on this track.
Potter’s take on love gone bad is prevalent on the song “Parachute Heart.” Well known for his involvement in leading orchestral arrangements, conductor David Campbell was called upon to add his expertise on string arrangements on the title track, “Stars,” “One Heart Missing” and “The Divide.” Drummer Matt Burns dictates the flow on “Timekeeper.” The saying for this record can be summed up from the song “Turntable” in “I will be your record and you will be my turntable!”
The boppity bop track “Loneliest Soul” is where bassist Scott Tournet gets a crack to showcase his skills. The slide guitar takes shape on “Runaway.” Potter opens herself up on and sings the heartfelt “One Heart Missing.” The sitar is evident on the last track “The Divide.” This CD is another step in the right direction for Grace, as her sound is becoming more polished and mature. I can’t wait to see her perform some of these tracks in front of a live audience!
