The Commoners return with their highly-anticipated third album, Restless. Building on the success of their critically acclaimed 2022 album, Find A Better Way, the Canadian classic rock revivalists continue to infuse their Southern-style, Allman Brothers-inspired stylings with a dose of hard rock grit and contemporary aesthetics.

 Chris Medhurst (vocals/guitar), Ben Spiller (bass), Ross Hayes Citrullo (lead guitar), Adam Cannon (drums), and  Miles Evans-Branagh (organ) join forces once again in the studio realm to deliver a batch of 10 originals drenched in their blues and roots-based hard rock style. 

The album kicks off with “Devil Teasin’ Me,” a fierce rocker featuring blazing slide guitar and spirited vocals. The organ lays a robust groundwork for the raw, slide-infused riffage, making it a standout track that sets a high bar for the album from the get-go. “Shake You Off” follows with more of the band’s rugged guitars and driving rhythms.

“The Way That I Am” is another monstrous rocker, while the title track allows for a more introspective expression of the band’s talents, working as the perfect showcase for Medhurst’s soul-filled vocals and Citrullo’s emotional leads. 

“Gone Without A Warning” returns with the unfiltered rock and roll firepower, while “Body And Soul” adds another touch of atmosphere and mood to the record. 

“See You Again” is a poignant southern-rock piece a la Lynyrd Skynyrd. Building from its delicate acoustic intro, the song evolves into an exquisite display of enveloping organ work, evocative vocals and simply great melody. In that same acoustic vein, “All That We Have” concludes the record on a strong note. 

The record’s production and mixing are clear and impactful, retaining an organic feel but with enough clarity to highlight each instrument’s role. As for the music itself, both the songwriting and performances are impressive, producing a competent blend of both high-energy barnburners and introspective, tender tracks. 

With Restless, The Commoners have crafted yet another impressive album that is both a tribute to their commitment to reviving a classic era and a step in the direction of solidifying the group as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary rock.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Devil Teasin’ Me
– Shake You Off
– The Way That I Am
– Restless
– See You Again

The Big Hit

– Restless