If you were at the local mom-and-pop record store (which are sadly becoming extinct) perusing through the classic rock section, somewhere between Neil Young and Led Zeppelin you would find a copy of the newest Blues and Lasers record, After All We’re Only Human. I use the term record because this belongs on vinyl.

Scott Tournet (vocals and guitars) continues to add to his discography. This is his fourth recorded project away from his full-time gig as lead guitarist of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. This collection of songs shows more of a collaborative effort between Tournet and Benny Yurco (vocals and guitars), who also has found himself a new home as a Nocturnal. Before, Tournet was the main songwriter on his first two solo albums and the Blues and Lasers first EP. On this recording, Yurco is credited with four of the nine songs.

Tournet and Yurco, along with Matt Burr (drums,) Steve Sharon (drums) and John Rogone (bass), have the uncanny ability to create songs that embody the sounds of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s – James Gang, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Led Zeppelin with hints of The Stones and Pink Floyd. That was a time when it was common to find extensive jams and songs going well over the six-minute mark, but compared to their last EP, they’ve toned it down quite a bit.

On track two, “Fallen Friend,” you can hear the focus on the vocals, as the harmonies are plentiful and the guitar melodies sing prominently throughout, but the song doesn’t exceed five minutes.

One of my favorites is “Forgot About Me.” It starts off with the dissonant sounds of random percussion and strings, which are then overcome by a gritty, grungy guitar that mystically leads to a Black Sabbath-sounding jam. The best part of having two guitarists is hearing the contrasts of the two players meld into one harmonious melody.

“Glory,” “Before You Use Me” and “Somewhere on the Road” all revolve around the prominent intricate guitar work displayed by Tournet and Yurco. But that’s not to take away from the vocals. It’s just the guitars compliment the vocals on every feeling or mood they’re trying to convey.

“Take You Down” opens with the thunderous rhythm section of Burr and Sharon, which opens to another perfect example of the dual guitar mastery of Tournet and Yurco. About four minutes into it, the blistering solos take flight. This song demonstrates good use of tempo changes, especially the last 30 seconds of the song.

The best selling point of this record is? It’s five guys playing music they love. It’s classic, it’s raw and the authenticity will never be questioned.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

For more info go to: www.bluesandlasers.com/