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Final verdict: 8/10 ★★★★☆
A nod to Queen’s 1974 classic “Killer Queen,” or an ode to indulgent living? Allen Brooks’ new single “Caviar and Cigarettes” could very well be a bit of both at once.
Missouri-born singer-songwriter Allen Brooks has been a musician all his life, consistently touring since the 1980s and appearing in more bands than I can count on my ten sorry digits. It appears that the 2020s are treating him just as well as the past has – to this day he is active, consistently releasing new music and working on fresh film projects. Straight out the gate, his recent “Caviar and Cigarettes” is an anthem all for pursing your wildest dreams, which, hey – my wildest dreams do involve caviar and cigarettes, so thank you very much. I’ll take it.
Sonically, we are looking at a slab of rock that is quite classic in its stylings, while also bearing that distinctive grunge grit we all know and love. Quite early 1980s, quite vintage, yet all with a modern sheen – old-school, yet undeniably crisp. The arrangements are minimal and that makes it a rather haunting song to behold, but the endearing instrumentation and Brooks’ powerful vocals carry it all beautifully, and so, all is justified. Color me convinced.
May you all find caviar and cigarettes in this life. Or well, maybe not cigarettes… “those are bad for you,” I sheepishly say as I light one up. 8/10, amen.
MORE ON ALLEN BROOKS:
https://allenbrooks.net
Silia 
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