iSound

There’s a void on rock radio, and it’s downright criminal. Not since the heyday of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet and 38 Special has southern rock truly owned the airwaves. Sure, there were breakthroughs here and there by the likes of Jackyl, the Black Crowes and Sister Hazel, but in this age of prefabrication, honest, heartfelt, whiskey-soaked rock ‘n’ roll has been relegated to regional entertainment. That’s primed to change in a big way with the rise of Blackberry Smoke, an Atlanta four-piece armed with the chops and cred to lead the new breed. With sophomore full-length A Little Piece of Dixie (Big Karma / Adrenaline) blending bluegrass, boogie, country and hard rock sensibilities, BBS flaunt not only a potent arsenal, but the blessing of their influential forefathers. The 11-song platter is the byproduct of years of hard work and sacrifice. Frontman Charlie Starr and sibling rhythm section Richard and Brit Turner (bass and drums, respectively) had been trying to find the perfec...