It has been almost four years since Portsmouth rock ’n’ rollers One Hand Free released a new album. The group’s self-titled 2004 release established the band as an assemblage of classic rock purists, determined to deliver the type of 1960s and ’70s style rock that inspired them to take up their instruments. The latest disc, released on the record label ThunderTrauzer, cranks up the volume of the band’s musical mission.

Officially due out in January, “Quadraphonic” features eight original tunes that amount to “a hot slab of unrepentant Rock and Roll right between the ears,” according to the band’s promotional material. Apparently dissatisfied with the state of modern music, but holding dear to the bygone spirit of rock’s past pioneers, One Hand Free set out to restore the heart and soul of rock ’n’ roll. 

It has been almost four years since Portsmouth rock ’n’ rollers One Hand Free released a new album. The group’s self-titled 2004 release established the band as an assemblage of classic rock purists, determined to deliver the type of 1960s and ’70s style rock that inspired them to take up their instruments. The latest disc, released on the record label ThunderTrauzer, cranks up the volume of the band’s musical mission.

Officially due out in January, “Quadraphonic” features eight original tunes that amount to “a hot slab of unrepentant Rock and Roll right between the ears,” according to the band’s promotional material. Apparently dissatisfied with the state of modern music, but holding dear to the bygone spirit of rock’s past pioneers, One Hand Free set out to restore the heart and soul of rock ’n’ roll. 

The album begins with the blues-based “King By Now,” which quickly introduces gritty instrumental attitude, as well as the bluesy and soulful vocal attack of singer and keyboardist Andrew Blowen. A couple of minutes later, Geoff Taylor’s bass line shifts gears and guitarist Josh DiJoseph asserts his authority with a gripping electric solo. Meanwhile, drummer Kelly Bower anchors everything with tight, punctuating drumbeats. The next song, “Majesty,” begins with a guitar melody that sounds like something out of Steely Dan’s playbook. At six minutes and 14 seconds, it is the longest track on the disc.

Most of the songs on “Quadraphonic” are fast-paced and upbeat, but a couple of tracks, most notably “Lucky” and “Stumble,” slow down to enter different dimensions of sonic emotion. “Badway” brings out a funkier edge, reflecting the band members’ admiration for genres slightly outside the rock realm. Blowen’s lyrics match the mood of each song, at times expressing glory and, at others, adversity. 

Although the style showcased on the new CD is admittedly unoriginal, it will likely appeal to fans of classic rock and jam bands. With echoes of older groups like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Joe Cocker matched by wisps of comparatively more recent acts like The Black Crowes and Dave Matthews Band, “Quadraphonic” presents a timeless sound that radiates from the core of rock music.

The album’s appeal is likely to be strongest with those hangers-on who grew up in the ’60s and ’70s and were invigorated by the torrent of rock talent that emerged during that era. The band reaches backward rather than forward, striving not to innovate new sounds but to recreate old ones. However, the songs are all original One Hand Free compositions, and each musician’s rock ’n’ roll passion is refreshingly authentic.   

The latest disc was mixed by Joel Hamilton, who has previously worked with a range of artists that includes, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Mike Patton, Justin Timberlake and Ludacris. It was mastered by Jay Frigoletto, who has worked with Alice in Chains, Oasis, INXS, Tesla and Blondie, among others.   

While touring the Northeast in support of its last album, One Hand Free shared stages with Eddie Money, Godsmack and members of The Allman Brothers Band. After a lengthy hiatus, the quartet will return to the stage next month, starting with a show at the Dover Brick House on Friday, Jan. 18. Other performances in Portsmouth, Boston and Portland will be announced soon.

For more information on One Hand Free, visit www.onehandfree.com or www.myspace.com/onehandfree.