As LeRoux should know, 20 years is an incredibly long time between records. The longstanding group’s last release was Ain’t Nothing But a Gris Gris. Tracks recorded in 2008 were never released as an album since the group felt they lacked chemistry. When Jeff McCarty replaced departing vocalist Terry Brock in 2018, and veteran rock producer Jeff Glixman (Kansas, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen) showed interest in working with LeRoux, everything fell into place to record its seventh studio album.
Perhaps LeRoux’s best yet, One of Those Days feels fresh enough to be something from a group young in its career, not one with a five-decade legacy. McCarty is a big reason for this: he sings with enough swagger and attitude to own the situation.
Of these 10 tracks, seven are band originals, three are from other writers and seven are first-time recordings. “Lifeline (Redux)” and “New Orleans Ladies” are reprised here to capture how they’ve evolved since their original waxing. The latter is slower and bluesier and reunites LeRoux with original bassist and song co-writer Leon Medica. Tab Benoit, who has also recorded it, plays the solo.
Ironically One of Those Days is categorized as Contemporary Blues, which doesn’t make a lot of sense unless it’s to target a particular demographic. Still, the octet’s hook-filled music is a sprawling blend of radio-ready pop, southern rock guitar tones, and extended solos that are borderline jam band. There’s even a jazz-tinged, funky instrumental, “Sauce Piquante.” The conga-rapping title track is a road quest of sorts (check out the YouTube video featuring Lane Mack) that could easily double as a restless COVID-19 anthem. “Lucy Anna” is a crazy Crescent City-style party starter much in the manner of Little Feat.
From track to track, moods ebb and flow. “Nothing Left to Lose” rocks with a reckless abandon while “The Song Goes On” exudes peaceful tranquility with mellow-ish, yet fluid guitar lines. With all of its transcendent soloing, it’s easy to get mentally whisked away in “Lifeline (Redux).” The breathtaking yet gusty background voices are a massive part of LeRoux’s sound, with five members and five guests participating in various configurations. One of Those Days is one of those rare, rewarding albums when everything comes together.
