Iron Tongue-The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown

Neurot Recordings
2013

"The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown" is the 7-track debut album from Arkansas-based Iron Tongue. Prior to this the band, who are fronted by Chris "CT" Terry of  Rwake fame, released a split 7” with The Dirty Streets. On that split the band covered "Two Timer" by Kiss who, the band claims at least, influenced Iron Tongue along with the likes of  Blue Cheer, Grand Funk, Deep Purple, Buddy Guy and Lynyrd Skynyrd. While Kiss might have served as an influence lyrically, as Gene Simmons and company certainly knew how to write a heart-felt song or two, Iron Tongue are more southern-flavored & blues-infused then anything. The group has shared the stage with everyone from High on Fire to Lita Ford and was created out of a "common interest in the need to get down and dirty and way, way gone". Mission accomplished I'd say. Billy Anderson (Melvins, Sleep, Neurosis, etc) recorded and produced "The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown" at Iron Tongue guitarist Jason Tedford’s Wolfman Studios and his hand is felt all over this slab of gritty and raw southern rock. In addition to vocalist CT and guitarist Jason Tedford the album features guitarist Mark Chiaro, bassist Andy Warr, keyboardist JR Top, backing vocalist Stephanie Smittle and drummer Stan James. While the group manages to play some really good down and dirty rock that is quite soulful (see opener "Ever After") it's actually "Lioness", which recalls a southern-style Black Sabbath, that is my favorite track here. Doom and southern rock are no strangers of course and "Lioness" shows how a good band can combine the two into one sweet combination! Iron Tongue has the feel of a well-traveled band who has seen their fair share of heartache and despair even if they are a relatively young act. With it's bear-soaked blend of blues-rock, doom, stoner rock and southern rock this 7-track album is comforting like an old friend when your in need of companionship. Recommend.