There’s nothing quite like a brand-new Left Lane Cruiser album dropping: the premier purveyors of gnarly, dirty, Southern-fried juke joint blues with a whiskey chaser or two. 

A Fort Wayne legacy that has spread the gospel of dirty blues far and wide nearly 20 years, Left Lane Cruiser’s Freddy J. IV and Brenn Beck have defined their sound as “voodoo hillbilly punk-blues,” and that fits the bill perfectly.

On their latest release, Bayport BBQ Blues, there’s no major changes — no acoustic ballads, synthesizers, chant, or Euro pop references pop up. It’s the same damn menu with the same tasty musical cuts. But when it’s this good, no need to change things up. If you’re expecting blistering slide work, bombastic trash can percussion, and howling-at-the-moon vocals, then pour yourself a drink and get ready.

“Motown Mash” sets the stage. Guttural blues guitar opens things up on the right note, with a seriously chugging drum groove. If you don’t start bobbing your head to this one, you might as well have someone call the coroner for ya. “Big Momma Shake” is an all-out war on the senses. Pummeling riffage for days while Freddy J. IV delivers a vocal part for the ages. Reminiscent of early ZZ Top before “Lagrange” made ’em famous. “Black Forest Blues” sounds like what I’d imagine Matt Pike and Sleep sounding like if they indulged their RL Burnside love. 

Elsewhere, “River Picker” opens on a groovin’ drum line and some great Delta blues vibes. “Get Down” sounds as close as LLC has come to Southern soul, but their patented blues spices give it the LLC kick. “Ophelia” closes things out with some Mississippi honky tonk and a nod to the great Robbie Robertson and The Band.

There’s few certainties in the world, but one thing that’s certain is Left Lane Cruiser will blow the roof off the joint every time out. Bayport BBQ Blues is here to soundtrack your summer or Southern-fried exorcism.