Those expecting '...Native' to replicate classic Blackfoot, or even pick up where their last album left off, will be disappointed.

In any other circumstance I would be enthusiastic about the release of an album by a new Southern Rock band; however, there's a certain hint of trepidation, because it has the name Blackfoot on the cover.

Founding member and guiding light Rickey Medlocke laid the longstanding Blackfoot to rest in 1997 to devote his time to the reinvigorated Lynyrd Skynyrd. Though the Bobby Barth-fronted version continued to use the name from 2004 with ever changing personnel, Medlocke regained control of the name in 2012 and put together a brand new, younger, touring version of the band to keep the name alive. 'Southern Native' is, to all intents and purposes, the debut album from this new line-up, with mentor Medlocke acting as producer and song-writer, while also contributing a few guitar solos in his own inimitable style.

Those expecting '...Native' to replicate classic Blackfoot, or even pick up where their last album (1994's 'After The Reign) left off, will be disappointed, as Rick Krasowski (guitar, vocals), Tim Rossi (guitar, vocals) Brian Carpenter (bass) and Matt Anastasi (drums) have delivered a thoroughly contemporary Southern Rock album more in line with the likes of current Southern torch-bearers Blackberry Smoke, Whiskey Myers and early Black Stone Cherry. Yet, while thoroughly forward-looking in style and approach, it's full of guitar-driven Southern Rock anthems that should easily slip into the band's live set, amongst the Original's classics like 'Train Train', 'Rollin' And Tumblin'' and the timeless 'Highway Song' – which is exactly why this version of the band exists.

Opinions will quite rightly be divided over this release. However, if you can overcome the fact that it utilises the name Blackfoot, and treat it for what it is, a decent Southern Rock album, then the rollicking opener 'Need My Ride', the rootsy 'Call Of A Hero' and 'Southern Native', the slow-burning 'Take Me Home', Hard Rocking 'Whiskey Train' and 'Love This Town', the grooving 'Satisfied Man', the classy Southern/Country ballad 'Everyman' and the heavier take on Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's 'Ohio' should certainly hit the spot.

Ant Heeks