Eightlock’s new album, Lions Roaring in Quicksand (out now on Steele Records) showcases band leader Paul Reed Smith’s expertise in all things guitar (making them and playing them). The tracks offer an impressive array of styles, all played with equal mastery. The band’s sound is a blend of blues, soul, rock, funk and roots, delivered with a precision that suggests these fine musicians are as adept at listening to each other as they are playing.

The ban’s appellation, Eightlock, suggests “eight musicians locked up together,” with a line-up that includes Mia Samone (vocals), Gary Grainger (bass/synth bass/vocals), Gregory Grainger (drums/percussion/vocals), Dennis Chambers (drums), JuJu House (drums/percussion), Bill Nelson (guitars/vocals), Mike Ault (guitars) with Chuck Brown & Sugar Bear Elliott (vocals), Benjie Perecki (keyboards) & Gregg Erwin (slide guitar).

Even with the musical variety, there is an emotional synthesis at work throughout the album, attributable in part to the band’s concept, and partly due to Mr. Smith’s impeccable production skills. The result is a thrilling feeling that you’re being allowed to sit in at an ongoing recording session with some of the purest musicians around. The songs travel your soul through a gratifying journey, the time flies, and you wish it would keep going. It’s a refreshing performance, and an equally worthy repertoire.