Hailing from Washington, Stone Axe, brainchild of songwriter and producer Tony Reed, are one of the finest purveyors of authentic soulful and groovy 70's rock to come out of the US of A in recent years. The Roadburn Festival, in Tilberg Holland, is an annual orgy of doom, stoner, 70's and psychedelic rock that these days is one of the hottest tickets in the rock calendar. This year's four day fest, which I was lucky enough to be taking part in, sold out in a mere eight minutes. Put the two together, via this recording of Stone Axe's performance from last year's festival, and you've got something pretty special.

Stone Axe have so far released two scorching slices of soulful rock, faithful to the golden era of the seventies in the shape of 'Stone Axe 1' and 'Stone Axe 2'. This live album captures the band performing much of that material in all its raw glory within the unique atmosphere of the Roadburn Festival. 'On With The Show' and 'Return Of The Worm' have the groove and swagger of The Black Crowes in their prime, 'Diamonds & Fools' and 'We Know It's Still Rock'n'Roll' have early Bon-era AC/DC written all over them, and 'Black Widow' and 'Shine On' ooze the soulful groove of Free and Skynyrd. Elsewhere, 'There'd Be Days' echoes Rod in his heyday with the Faces, and 'Chasing Dragons' has a healthy stoner vibe going on.

All in all this is a prime slice of the Axe, and a perfect introduction to their stuff for the uninitiated. If you like your rock to have that authentic 70's soul and groove to compliment your bellbottoms and bandanas, then you could do a whole lot worse than check out this burnin' little album.

http://stoneaxeband.com/

To pick up your copy of 'Captured Live! Roadburn Festival 2011' - CLICK HERE