'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 2' continues KWS's double album, but it's punchier and more full-bodied than the first part. The infectious groove of 'I Got A Woman' gets straight down to business with a bad-ass horn section underscoring Shepherd's dirty blues solos.
Thematically the album centers around girls, guitars, politics and cars. 'The Middle' encapsulates the gritty live sound of the album. The single, and arguably the stand-out track, 'Never Made if To Memphis' is a rock and roll cliche story, but it's a terrifically fun ride, with a banger of a chorus and some guitar work and harmonies that propel the track. The token ballad 'My Guitar is Crying' feels a bit pedestrian against the mighty arrangements of the other songs, but KWS's vocals and mellow guitar work make for easy listening. ZZ Top's 'She Loves My Automobile' gets a big band groove sound and is a stonking album - and potential future set - closer
The tracks on ‘Volume 2’ were born during the writing sessions at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. “The whole reason we went down to Muscle Shoals was to soak up the vibe that’s been left in that room for so many decades.” The energy the band have captured on Vol 2 really channels that legacy. If Vol 1 was the support act, Vol 2 is the headliner. Even with a running time of 31 minutes, it would be a terrific blues rock album, even if it was a stand-alone.
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