Many fans know of David T. Chastain and his musical prowess, as he dabbles in all music genres, therefore since it is 2026 there are three albums of this off-shoot band of his that I am covering, while Baron promises to cover one of Chastain’s early albums. This album was released on Leviathan Records in 2006. The album stars vocalist Eric Johns and bassist Dave Swart, with Mike Haid making a return on drums as his lower tuning helps to give the music more weight. Johns’ powerful, blues-based voice is balanced against Chastain’s guitar with the overall feeling of the band’s sound being that of a more concise, vocal-driven affair than 2003’s Double Your Pleasure.
“Even Now” sets the tone as the opener with a mellow but substantial groove, bluesy guitar, and Johns’ classic-rock growl. Moving onward that wailing of blues riff continues here too in “It’s Not True” allows Johns to display his range, although straightforward. “I Don’t Want You” is heavier in the Southern blues-rock division, but Chastain uses more creative riffs and leads to avoid following his influences from the metal genre. “I’m Down” has a rocking blues feel that lets Johns’ voice blend easily with the restrained guitar with fun lyrics. “Caught You Red Handed” has more power in its vocals, succinct guitar, and powerful rhythm section a song all about one’s lover caught with one’s best friend. “Broken Man” leans more towards the heavier groove in which Swart and Haid provide a solid foundation, and the darker guitar tone dominates, and it fits in order on the album due the previous track. In contrast, “Heaven Help Me Now” takes on a harder rock feel, but keeps the groove from the previous song assisting in a more effective guitar solo, but feels as if overstaying itself too long. “Going Down to Texas” has some Southern character without crossing over to country rock, though art do remind me fondly of W.A.S.P.’s “Blind in Texas”, meanwhile “Don’t Go” Johns’ vocals sail in the song, as he talks about his woman. “Love Train” is light and positive, but the groove from songs six and seven resurfaces again, and now becoming tiresome. “Reflections” looks inward with one of Johns’ steadier vocal performances, complete with a seriously good Chastain solo, with a successful backing from the other bandmates before “Ladies of the Night” rounds off the album, with powerful rhythm guitar, confident vocals, and another reoccurring groove from earlier in the album.
Track Listing:
- Even Now
- t’s Not True
- I Don’t Want You
- I’m Down
- Caught You Red Handed
- Broken Man
- Heaven Help Me Now
- Going Down to Texas
- Don’t Go
- Love Train
- Reflections
- Ladies of the Night
Band Members:
David T. Chastain -Guitar
Erie Johns – Vocals
Dave Swart – Bass
Mike Haid – Drums
Chastain’s guitar playing does not overwhelm Johns’ vocals nor does it outshine Swart and Haid presence. The quality that makes the album work is that all musicians have ample opportunity to perform yet at times Johns’ bluesy-rock vocals hold Chastain’s playing in check.
While Third Time Is the Charm is not a groundbreaking blues-rock recording by any means. the album’s natural performances make a benefit for listeners.
Vincent’s Rating: 3.5/5.0
