SMITH / KOTZEN: Return w/ Black Light, White Noise ''Heavy Organic Dynamic Blues'- Album Review

Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith and The Winery Dogs, solo artist guitarist/singer Richie Kotzen are back with their second full length studio album 'Black Light / White Noise' which was released on April 4th via BMG Worldwide.

Photo by John McMurtrie

Review by Jimmy Kay for The Metal Voice

I have to be quite honest I have never been the type of person to like supergroup situations for the most part. Sure Smith /Kotzen debut was good but I was not quite sure where it was going and should I invest my time into something that will just fade away like most projects today. Saying that I am quite pleased that Smith/ Kotzen decided to continue their musical partnership

This release has been such an pleasant surprise, to say the least. I can safely this dynamic duo have now graduated into a full fledged musical force/group to be reckoned with.

If there is any phrase to describe this album I would say this is: A Heavy Organic Dynamic Blues Album.

I think what makes this album special is that there is an infusion of musical influences throughout each track but the songs still retain the Smith/ Kotzen's stamp. Making the album quite unique.

Some song highlights: 'Muddy water' 'White Noise' and 'Heavy Weather' brings out the Heavy power riffs with killer melodic solos and hint at an overall Soundgarden/ Whitesnake vibe.

'Black Light' screams a mid paced early Scorpions Uli Jon Roth era or some could say Jimi Hendrix especially the rhythm guitar work.

Another favorite 'Life Unchained' which starts off slow but then kicks into high gear with a hard rockin AC/DC groove and then showcases the duo's guitar solo trades off a la Malmsteen in some moments.

The last track is a spooky slow ballad 'Beyond the Pale' which one could have been on Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy. A slow Epic track which close off the album

Now as for the vocal work. The vocal trade offs are another highlight as both Smith and Kotzen's voices are somewhat different but they still manage to complement each other and the harmonies have this split second delay which gives the vocal lines a more organic lively feel.

Overall, no filler on this album. The guitar work is powerful, not loud. Each track is executed with great hooks and supercharged guitar work. The bass (Kotzen's wife Julia Lage) keeping each song in a tight groove while the drums (Tal Bergman) plays behind the beat.

The production is big yet organic and in my opinion will stand the test of time as it feels like it was recorded in the analogue age. The overall Album experience is if you were in a small smoky bar watching Smith/ Kotzen playing live.

Waiting for album three and some live dates

8.4/10

Track List

Muddy Water

White Noise

Black Light

Darkside

Life Unchained

Blindsided

Wraith

Heavy Weather

Outlaw

Beyond The Pale

Studio albums

Smith/Kotzen (2021)

Black Light/White Noise (2025)

Extended Plays

Note

As I was reviewing the album I also got a chance to briefly speak to Adrian Smith. Here is what he said about this new album. He told me that their second album is much heavier album than their debut and the songs mostly came about from the two bouncing around ideas in an organic fashion. I also asked him how he separates Iron Maiden riffs with other project riffs. He just said for years he has been keeping riffs and ideas in separated folders with different styles of music.

Smith/Kotzen -Black Light

Smith/Kotzen - White Noise (Official Video)

Atmospheric, ambitious, diverse and brilliant, Black Light / White Noise not only features stratospheric guitar solos and raw, bluesy vocals but soulful touches, intricate playing, beautiful songwriting and an assured poise and style that brings to mind a host of legendary musicians (Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Cream, Free, Deep Purple) but is undeniably the work of Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen in perfect harmony.

Smith/Kotzen- Darkside