ALBUM REVIEW: Ceramic Animal Finds Extra Shine in Partnership with Dan Auerbach
Maeri Ferguson
Posted On March 2, 2022
Despite Dan Auerbach’s knack for spinning gold, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, hometown heroes Ceramic Animal were already three albums and a ton of hard work in when they crossed paths with the producer and his magic touch. Establishing themselves locally as a tight five-piece, the band — which consists of brothers Chris, Erik, and Elliott Regan and their two buddies, Anthony Marchione and Dallas Hosey — were exploring ’70s psych, glitter rock, and the classics they were raised on by the Regans’ late father. Still, it’s impossible not to appreciate Auerbach’s polishing on the band’s fourth release (and Easy Eye debut) Sweet Unknown, with its groovy licks and soulful harmonies. In true Auerbach fashion, it is a glorious meeting of homegrown, down-to-earth garage rock and unbridled, sexy confidence.
Though the boys of Ceramic Animal have been cutting their teeth on sold-out shows at small venues to their devoted following for some time, with Sweet Unknown, the realm of possibility grows to include arenas, bigger rooms for an even bigger following. Even amid the tumultuous world of touring right now, it isn’t hard to imagine a crowded room jumping along to the raucous chorus of “I Can’t Wait,” headbanging to the rip-roaring slow build of “Valerie,” and getting down and dirty to the sultry “Private Dancer.” Lead singer Chris Regan’s dexterous voice slinks effortlessly between velvety and explosive, while Erik Regan’s percussion keeps things driving on.
Sweet Unknown excels the most when things slow down. The songs that stick with you are ones like the silky title track, the heartbreaker “Long Day,” and the hopeful, searching “Forever Song.” The band has mastered the art of creating a bigger sound on these especially tender moments by mood-setting and impactful vocal choices and guitar melodies. “Sweet Unknown” is particularly swoony and captures the guys at their yearning and wistful best, announcing their arrival, even if they’ve been here all along.
