Last month, various websites were running stories about a band called Chout and their singer Brendan Maier, who sounds almost exactly like the late great Layne Staley (Alice In Chains). I have since received a copy of the band’s 2018 album “Dogwater” and it is a must have for fans of grunge music.

The effort kicks off with “Seasons,” a hard-hitting track that really showcases Maier’s powerful vocals right from the get-go. It is a song that sounds like it came straight out of the 90s and it really sets the tone for the rest of the effort.

As one moves further through the record, they will continue to find amazing tracks such as “All Has Been Done.” That song finds the group maintaining the Alice In Chains vibe, while also mixing a bit of their own style into the music.

The band really reaches their peak on the song “Thin Ice.” This is one of the heaviest tracks on the album and it is something you can’t help but blast and headbang to.

“Thin Ice” is followed by the closing track “To Lose.” It is a perfect way to end the album, because it has everything thing that made it great to begin with, Staley inspired vocals backed by solid musicianship.

All in all, “Dogwater” is an amazing album that proves rock music is continuing to thrive in modern times.