Description
Royal Southern Brotherhood – Heartsoulblood – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Heartsoulblood is the third studio album by Royal Southern Brotherhood, released in 2014. It finds the band refining its distinctive blend of blues, Southern rock, soul, funk, R&B, and classic rock, delivering an album that is as emotionally rich as it is musically accomplished. Rooted in the traditions of American roots music but performed with contemporary energy, Heartsoulblood is one of the strongest releases in the group’s catalog.
Royal Southern Brotherhood brought together an impressive lineup of musicians, including guitarist and vocalist Cyril Neville, guitarist Mike Zito, guitarist Devon Allman, bassist Charlie Wooton, and drummer Yonrico Scott. Rather than functioning as a showcase for individual virtuosity, the band emphasizes collective musicianship, with each member contributing to a cohesive and deeply soulful sound.
One of the album’s greatest strengths is the interplay between its three frontmen. Mike Zito’s blues-infused guitar work, Devon Allman’s melodic Southern-rock sensibility, and Cyril Neville’s unmistakable New Orleans soul combine to create a rich musical palette. Their contrasting voices and styles complement one another beautifully, giving the album both variety and unity.
The guitar work is exceptional throughout. Zito and Allman alternate between expressive blues solos, lyrical melodic lines, and tasteful rhythm playing. Neither guitarist dominates the mix; instead, they engage in musical conversations that recall the great dual-guitar traditions of bands like The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd while maintaining the Brotherhood’s own identity.
Cyril Neville brings a lifetime of experience rooted in New Orleans rhythm and blues. His soulful vocals and subtle percussion add warmth, groove, and authenticity, connecting the band’s Southern rock foundation with the rich musical traditions of Louisiana.
The rhythm section is equally outstanding. Charlie Wooton’s fluid bass playing and Yonrico Scott’s versatile drumming provide a rock-solid foundation while incorporating elements of funk, blues shuffle, and second-line rhythms. Their chemistry allows the songs to groove naturally without ever feeling forced.
Lyrically, Heartsoulblood explores themes of love, perseverance, redemption, family, social awareness, and personal growth. The songwriting avoids cliché, instead emphasizing emotional honesty and lived experience. The title itself reflects the album’s ethos: music created with heart, soul, and life’s hard-earned wisdom.
The production strikes an ideal balance between polish and authenticity. The guitars are full-bodied, the vocals are intimate, and the rhythm section has plenty of space to breathe. The album sounds like a real band playing together rather than a collection of isolated studio performances, an approach that suits the music perfectly.
Critics praised Heartsoulblood for its musicianship, songwriting, and stylistic breadth. Many noted that the band had matured significantly since its debut, creating a record that felt more cohesive and confident while preserving the spontaneity that made Royal Southern Brotherhood such an exciting live act.
One of the album’s enduring qualities is its refusal to be confined by genre. Blues, rock, soul, funk, and Americana flow naturally into one another, reflecting the interconnected history of American roots music. The result feels organic rather than eclectic.
With its outstanding guitar work, soulful vocals, and heartfelt songwriting, Heartsoulblood stands as one of the finest modern Southern blues-rock albums of the 2010s. It showcases a group of seasoned musicians playing not to impress but to communicate, creating music that is warm, powerful, and deeply human. Rich in groove, melody, and emotion, it remains a rewarding listen for fans of blues, Southern rock, and American roots music.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
World Blues
Rock And Roll
Groove On
Here It Is
Shoulda Known
Callous
Let’s Ride
Trapped
Takes A Village
Love And Peace
