Album Review — Black Swan

Black Swan — Generation Mind

Black Swan is back with their second release, “Generation Mind”, which is the follow up to their 2020 debut “Shake The World”. Black Swan is the definition of supergroup with vocalist Robin McAuley, guitarist Reb Beach, bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer Matt Starr.

I loved the first record so I had some pretty high expectations for “Generation Mind”.

The album begins with a short instrumental titled “Before The Light” that serves as an intro to all out rocker “She Hides Behind”. This is what I want from an album opener. It brings the energy and I certainly could see the band using this track as a concert opener. We’re off to great start.

The title track is up next and begins with a cool riff. Reb Beach is such an underrated guitarist and he really shines on this record. “Generation Mind” is another high quality rocker and keeps the momentum going.

“Eagles Fly” has a cool intro that features some more quality work from Beach. This is another great track. I might as well get this out of the way. Robin McAuley is a freak of nature. He sounds better than he did in the 80s if that’s even possible. I’m so glad he is back and fronting this great group of musicians. Another great track.

“See You Cry” is everything I like about this record. It’s melodic but plenty heavy. Fantastic performances, especially from Beach and McAuley, and some very well written songs. This sounds like a band that’s been together for years.

“Killer On The Loose” has a Scorpions-like riff to start the track and almost sounds like it could have been off “Blackout” or “Love At First Sting”.

“Miracle” has a similar feel as “Johnny Came Marching” on the first record in that it takes on a tough subject of gun violence from the perspective of a victim. I love that the band is willing to take on these kinds of topics without sacrificing the music. This is a fantastic track.

“How Do You Feel” might be the closest thing to a ballad on the record. It’s more bluesy than a traditional ballad but still is a great platform for McAuley to show his chops. I’m just so impressed with him on this record.

“Long Way Down” gets back to the rocking. This is a long record although it doesn’t feel that way. Most of the songs check in at around five minutes or more but they don’t drag at all. These songs are well crafted yet leave room for Beach to do his thing.

The opening riff of “Crown” reminds me of something from the first two Winger albums. I love that this band reminds me of their previous projects and influences but is all its own. I can hear a little MSG or Winger here and there, but the band very much has their own sound. Another great track.

Another track that conjures another previous project. “Wicked The Day” has a similar feel to Dokken’s “Kiss of Death”, especially the opening riff that runs through the track. This one would also be a great candidate to open a show.

The album closes with another track that doesn’t follow the typical verse, verse, chorus flow. “I Will Follow” is more mid-tempo but with plenty of teeth to it and another big chorus.

This album is so good but it took me time to realize how good it really is. There isn’t that one track that sticks out but every song is so solid. The performances of McAuley and Beach really stand out but most of all I’m so impressed with this group of songs. I said it earlier, but this sounds like a band that has been together for years but has that new band energy to them.

I’ve been waiting for this year’s big record and this might be it. Along with the Ty Tabor record, “Generation Mind” is right there for the best album of the year at the quarter mark of the year.

95 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Before The Light
2. She Hides Behind*
3. Generation Mind*
4. Eagles Fly*
5. See You Cry*
6. Killer On The Loose
7. Miracle*
8. How Do You Feel
9. Long Way Down*
10. Crown*
11. Wicked The Day*
12. I Will Follow *

*Best Songs