It’s nice to be able to pick up an album by an Auburn band, as it doesn’t happen all that often these days.

I’d heard buzz about The Vegabonds but hadn’t seen them before this year’s Alex City Jazz Fest, where I was duly impressed. They gave me a burned copy of their album-to-be at that time, and now that debut album, “Dear Revolution” is available everywhere.

These boys got together just last year, and immediately started making plans for their first album, recorded at Southstreet Studios in Nashville. Citing as their influences The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, Kings of Leon, and Led Zeppelin, this Auburn band is doing its hometown proud and have made a darn fine record.
Opening with a strong Crowes-ish rocker called “The Ballad of the Movers and Shakers,” the band cranks it to 11 right off the bat and never backs off.

There are some fine rockers, some great ballads, and some thoughtful tunes that without a doubt show that the band has the potential to go mainstream with their brand of Stones-y rock. Daniel Allen’s lead vocals are strong and expressive, the instrumental prowess of guitarists Alex Cannon and Richard Forehand, and keyboardist Jamie Hallen are melodious and impressive, and the rhythm section, made up of bassist Paul Bruens and drummer Bryan Harris, is powerful and solid.

“Dear Revolution” is one of the strongest freshman albums I’ve heard this year, and I look forward to hearing more from these rising Auburn stars.

Hear Wildman Steve’s Internet radio station, Internet radio for music lovers 24/7, at www.wildmansteve.com.