Corsair is one of those bands you root for, and they’re as deserving as any indie act of label support to further its efforts. The Charlottesville, Virginia collective has been toiling away doing the DIY thing for several years and three compelling releases. They’ve managed to turn many a head, including, it seems, the folks over at Shadow Kingdom Records, who’ve been absolutely gushing about Corsair‘s latest offering.  They signed the band and promptly reissued their self-titled record.

It is a damn fine album, if not the masterstroke it’s being labeled. Corsair is a strange bird to dissect. Initially one is struck by the flagrant Thin Lizzy-isms—the twin guitar harmonies that accentuate the band’s clean vocals and rock drumming. In this way they fit in alongside the Slough Feg, Bible of the Devil, and even Argus contingent, albeit it through a more generalized rock approach. Corsair doesn’t have a retro sound mind you, so much as they display a strong vintage sensibility.

But as soon as that impression of the band starts to cement, the listener is struck by how Corsair injects a spacey, weightless quality. There’s a classic rock propulsion that dissipates as the band cuts its tethers and floats blissfully as incredibly catchy guitar lines flutter atop a loose, supple rhythm section. And album closer “Desert” is a downright ethereal coda, shimmering with a nearly post-rock ethos.

Which brings us to the final layer of Corsair: they’re only not a metal act, but strictly speaking it’s also misleading to pigeon-hole them as a traditional hard-rock band. There’s certainly much of that to be found, and Corsair seems to be aimed squarely at the metal hard/rock fanbase(s), but this album has some serious crossover potential. It’s the album you’ll reach for when you have to please a car full of friends. As trite as it sounds, there truly is something for just about everyone in Corsair — vintage hard rock values coupled with progressive, genre-jumping sensibilities; but also giant-sized hooks and modern-leaning clean, bright melodies. All are married through cohesive, surprisingly textured songwriting that is immediately impressive, yet reveals a subtle depth with time.

Corsair on Facebook

Corsair on Bandcamp

Shadow Kingdom Records