Birmingham rock trio Verbena return with their fourth album, “La Music Negra,” their first without guitarist/singer Anne Marie Griffin. It’s straight out rock, much harder than what you’d expect to come out of Alabama, but it certainly explains why Foo Fighter Dave Grohl is a fan.

The album sounds too spirited for the voice Bondy, the often melancholy singer. He makes the lyrics “I’m letting the good times roll” sound somewhat depressing. However there are the songs like “I, Pistol,” and “Devil in Miss Jones” where he sounds perfect.

2*
Capitol
Release Date: May 20, 2003






Related Stories: