EP Review: Black Stone Cherry - Celebrate
Reviewed by Tim Finch
It’s been nearly three years since Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry released the critically acclaimed ‘Screamin’ At The Sky’, the bands eight studio album. As 2026 rolls around the group celebrate twenty five years as an entity, a whole quarter of a a century producing some of the most unique hard rock available on the airwaves.
Often dismissed as “too country”, and despite headlining arenas around the country, the band are often overlooked by the traditional British rock fan, which in itself is a travesty. A whole treasure trove of a back catalogue missed out by those not willing to try something new. So for 2026 we challenge all those who have not dipped their toe into the Black Stone Cherry waters to try the band out, and what better way to start than new EP ‘Celebrate’?
Despite its label as an EP, the record has seven songs and a run time of twenty five minutes, to give any new listener ample time to get into their new favourite band. Opening with the title track, the listener is immediately greeted with that unique style. It’s rock, yes it has a hint of country roots, but at its heart is a gritty undertone… too dark to be true rock, to heavy to be country. This is uniquely Black Stone Cherry. The song is full of gorgeous riffs, earworms that will live with you long after the EP finishes and a catchy lyric that will last for years to come.
‘Neon Eyes’ starts with a repeating riff, a drum beat joins it before the song kicks in, but the band aren’t running at full speed yet. Chris Robertsons vocals drive this track through to the chorus where their bombastic energy kicks in to the cries of “Neon Eyes, Tell no lies…”. The songs energy ebbs and flows, softly spoken verses lead into the energy of the choruses and then an epic guitar solo to top it all off.
‘Caught Up In the Up Down’, one hell of a tongue twister to say let alone sing, continues in a similar vein. Where as ‘I’m Fine’ highlights both the bands song writing talents and Robertsons unique vocals. This song hangs off his every breath and fades out to his vocal solo outro
To contrast the raucous opening few tunes, ‘Deep’ takes on a softer, more introspective side. Its power lies in its lyrical content and delivery rather than the volume of the guitars and highlights just how many sides there are to the outfit.
‘What You’re Made Of’ ramps up the energy again, driven by a nasty sounding guitar riff that will have those of a heavier persuasion getting a little moist. Whilst they close out the EP with a cover of ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me) featuring Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman, giving us a take on the Simple Minds classic in a style only they could.
This short recording validates the views of every fan of the band to date. They are a force to be reckoned with and hopefully this opens up the eyes, and ears, of a few more rock fans to just how much of a hidden gem Black Stone Cherry are.
