VOL 1, the sophomore release from Nashville band Blackwater James, is a six-song EP that packs a rock ‘n’ roll punch.

Blasting a sound similar to The White Stripes, Stone Temple Pilots and Guns ‘n’ Roses, Blackwater James has released an EP that hits harder than most full-length albums. The combination of Chris James on vocals, Deanna Passarella on guitar, Josh Burns on bass and Todd Schlosser on drums gives the band it’s hard-hitting edge.

“Blackheart,” the first single released from the EP, could almost be mistaken for a White Stripes’ tune, while “Come On” is reminiscent of early ’90s Stone Temple Pilots. Hard-edge rock ‘n’ roll influence is clear in songs like “Burn” and “Feel Your Way.”

The music on the EP is a bit better than the songwriting. The lyrical backbone probably won’t be enough to blow listeners away, but where the lyrics are lacking, the instrumentation is enough to carry the EP.

Blackwater James’ second release is most definitely worth listening to. And for those listeners who are getting their first dose of the band, they certainly will not be disappointed.