On their ninth studio album, 2023's
Caves
,
Needtobreathe
balances big, emotive hooks with their longstanding knack for rootsy rock uplift. Produced with
Cason Cooley
, the album nicely splits the difference between the pop sophistication of 2020's
Out of Body
and the moody Southern folk qualities of 2021's
Into the Mystery
. The opening "The Cave" and "Everknown" are shambolic anthems, full of ringing post-punk guitars and church hall vocals, all wrapped up in themes of self-examination and spirituality. Once again, much of the album's charm rests on singer
Bear Rinehart
, who brings an earthy, soulful resonance to the band's sound. The album also benefits from some warm collaborations, as on the effusive "Dreams" with
Judah & the Lion
. Equally compelling is "Wasting Time" with
Old Dominion
, which takes the infectious dance-punk style of
the Killers
and marries it to an exuberant and twangy Southern rock sound. Singer
Carly Pearce
also jumps on board for the emotive duet ballad "Fall On Me." ~ Matt Collar