Raleigh, North Carolina-based five-piece Bottom Shelf follow up last year’s fascinating Pud Master Johnson LP with their next full-length, wishfully titled There Will Be Chicken Wings, striking cover art included. You’ll hear twelve new songs – we should actually count to eleven, because the album closes with a so-called secret track, but since it’s mentioned it’s not really a surprise – that should probably be filed under Southern rock. The way the heartfelt lyrics are delivered by gritty vocals over a grooving rhythm section evokes mixed emotions, many emotions – insert smiling-face-with-tear emoji – that go well with a drink (I guess this applies to both band members and listeners). These 40 minutes radiate a live energy that is more than enough to recharge you for whatever lies ahead.

There Will Be Chicken Wings is out now digitally (self-released).

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