New album takes on old sound

Before listening to Grace Potter & The Nocturnals’ latest self-titled album, the only introduction I had was a Facebook ad suggesting them because I like Duffy.

I’m not sure about that comparison, but I’m glad it got me to listen to this album.

Grace Potter’s voice, even in the album’s quieter moments, brims with power, and its slightly rough quality complements the sonic landscape created by her band. Combining classic rock guitars with touches of swinging 1960s soul and the occasional welcome dash of country introspection, the band effortlessly moves from the gritty opener “Paris (Ooh La La)” to the sad, quiet closing “Things I Never Needed” without taking a real misstep.

While I occasionally wished some of the lyrics were a little less throwback, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals hooked me with its modern take on a retro sound.