American Bang is a band from Nashville, Tennessee, but don't let that stop you from reading this review. They are not a country band or even a country poser like Dave Matthews or Jack White. They have just released their self titled debut album through Reprise Records that was produced by legendary Metallica producer Bob Rock.

The album starts out with a tuning session, which sounds like the band is plugging in and getting ready to blow your speakers out. However, they dial in a Black Keys soulful blues intro to the lead track Whiskey Walk. Whiskey Walk is a song that reminds me of my Saturday nights and we can all relate I am sure. We have had those nights where we've drank a bit too much and the room is spinning. This song encapsulates that feeling perfectly.

Lead singer Jeron Johnston brings a soulful Country twang to the songs of American Bang. Some will compare him to those hipster douchebags Kings of Leon, but besides sounding like them vocally, American Bang shine brighter. They have powerful, arena sized, choruses, where Kings of Leon have that annoying Sex on Fire song and their insufferable clothing line.

American Bang's album is coming out a bit late as Whiskey Walk and Wild and Young (the first two tracks on the album) are perfect summer driving songs. Put the top down, throw on Wild and Young and drive as fast as you can down I-95. Note: if you are driving fast and our one of our African American readers, we do not recommend this. You will get pulled over because you are DWB or driving while black. Maybe you should cruise to Whiskey Walk instead.

American Bang pull in a Black Crowes vibe on the slower song Angels. Angels isn't my favorite track as Jeron is a bit whiny in the opening of the track, but the music, especially the guitar is ethereal. You can thank Ben Brown for that as he handles the guitars for the record.

American Bang are not just bluesy country rockers. They have the pop minds too seen in a song like A Man Can Change. When listening to it, you can hear The Fray pop influence with the use of vocal harmony and mild rhythmic syncopation. I can see this song being a hit on the Top 40 stations while Wild and Young and Whiskey Walk run up the Modern Rock charts.

Bob Rock is known for capturing the atmosphere of a live show and transferring it to the album. He was able to capture Metallica's full throttle live show on Metallica's self titled album. Well American Bang is no different. Through the production you can feel every drum beat of Neil Mason like a punch in the gut. Round that rhythm section with the magical fingers of Kelby Kay on bass and you have a wonderful head bobbing back beat even white guys can find.

American Bang has the ability to cross genres of music with their melodic songwriting, vocal-driven aesthetic, and raunchy blues guitar keep the band's foot firmly planted in both the rock genre and the pop genre. The band is not a one hit wonder, so learn to love their name. You will be hearing it for the next few months if not years.

We got the behind the scenes look at the making of American Bang when we talked to Jeron a while back. You can read that interview here. The album is out tomorrow (August 31) and can be bought at your favorite online retailers or your favorite brick and mortar stores. I prefer Amazon, but it is your choice. Here is the iTunes link, and Amazon link.

American Bang extended their summer tour into the fall adding a lot of dates across the US. Check out their main site and their MySpace for full tour details.