Even though a couple of the players have changed, there's no mistaking the soulful power in rockers like "Lola Leave Your Light On," "Mr. Man," or opening track "Bad Man Walking." Haynes' melodic instincts are lauded beyond measure in guitarist's circles, as is Abts' organic timekeeping in the drum press--and it's all with good reason. The lore of Hess and Louis will probably follow, as they admirably color "Slackjaw Jezebel," "Little Toy Brain" and the seven-minute closer, "New World Blues."

If Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers aren't signposts on your horizon, then this might not hold a lot of weight for you. But if you're looking for that brazen style of classic-rock stew--with brains and heart to burn--sink your teeth into the steel guitar of "Wine and Blood" and the stretching in the 11-minute "Silent Scream," and enjoy it.