ALBUM REVIEW: Truckfighters - "V"

By: Kat Hilton

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 30/09/2016
Label: Fuzzorama Records |
Century Media Records

All in all, a solid offering; a sound that is current; one that rocks effortlessly and one that proves regardless of line-up changes Truckfighters continue to be strong.

“V” CD//DD//LP Track listing

01. Calm Before The Storm

02. Hawkshaw

03. The 1

04. Gehenna

05. The Contract

06. Fiend

07. Storyline

The Review:

With just 7 tracks lasting a smudge over 47 minutes and fresh drummer blood; Truckfighters offer their fifth studio album, “V” (I see what you did there you sneaky sods), a journey on their evolutionary path towards maturity that requires one to switch off pre conceptions, ideas and judgement and requires the plugging in of headphones and a nice chilled beverage of choice.

Having said that in all honesty “Calm Before the Storm” left me underwhelmed, I still cannot pinpoint why, it shouldn’t have done. With its Tool-esque intro, swarthy attitude and an ending which is fuzzier than a tumble dryer’s lint trap I should have loved it but it wobbled me a little. Fear ye not! “Hawkshaw” is the second little ditty and quite frankly knocks the spots of the previous number. A powerful bass and drum intro eases the lugholes to an immense fuzz injection that hits the spot superbly. With ever flowing peaks and troughs of 0-100 mph in seconds it is Truckfighers mastery.    

As track 3, “The 1”, makes its way through there is another line-up change with Peter Damin taking the drums; although subtle, there is a difference- believe it or not more cymbals…who knew that was possible! “The 1” is a classic Truckfigthers number; slightly distorted vocals, smooth riffs and an ear blowing assault of a chorus make it so. For the energy alone it is a clear contender for stand out song of the album. “Gehenna” the fuzz gives way to possibly the most satisfying drum roll in existence making this a veritable time warp of a tune; turning back time it is akin to listening to “Gravity X” all over again. Ok so not as prog like, but the mesmerising vocals and pacey guitar stand it proud.

As “The Contract” makes its debut with its thundering bass/drum play off building the track to the properly heavy levels needed; the thick and fuzzy strings crawl over the senses entwining with the chaotic drums, it kinda shouldn’t work but it does. It be prog/sludge/fudge/aceballness.

“Fiend” is the penultimate track; cheeky, pacey and even more drum rolling perfection make this a fantastic number. Off all the superbly vocalised songs Ozo has done, this is the one that demonstrates the incredible range and versatility he has. The ending can only be described as a co-ordinated pissing contest as the sound increases, the drums hammer more, the vocals step up, the guitars get beefier. Everything makes this a superb ending.

Last but no means least “Storyline” has an instant shift in style and sound; the vocals are the dominant force here. Melodious, gravelly and solid. On one hand an easy, relaxed and somewhat calm offering, on the other a hard core Truckfighters number that shakes the listener to the core. What a delicious juxtaposition.  All in all, a solid offering; a sound that is current; one that rocks effortlessly and one that proves regardless of line-up changes Truckfighters continue to be strong.

“V” is available here

Band info: official || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Purson - “Desire’s Magic Theatre”

By: Kat Hilton
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 29/04/2016
Label: Spinefarm Records

 

 

With all ten songs covering a wide range of sounds and with their anchor firmly planted in the soil of a 1970’s rock garden, the variety within offers solid coverage for various genres. Throughout the album they cleverly combine flecks of The Beatles and Iron Butterfly, with Jazz and Prog to create this smorgasbord of tunage, underpinned by superb production, the result is a warm, organic sound, with complex arrangements and superb melodies producing a rich musical landscape.

 

 

“Desire’s Magic Theatre” CD//DD//LP track Listing  

 

1). Desire's Magic Theatre

2). Electric Landlady

3). Dead Dodo Down

4). Pedigree Chums

5). The Skye Parade

6). The Window Cleaner

7). The Way it is

8). Mr. Howard

9). I Know

10). The Bitter Suite

 

The Review:

Purson made their presence known, as they emerged on the scene three years ago with their highly acclaimed debut “The Circle And The Blue Door”, gaining mass applause as well as hordes of fans with their impressive talent.  A band that amalgamated prog, hard rock and psychedelia with more flair than a pair of 70’s bell bottoms their second album was eagerly awaited by many.

 

From the off, the signature Purson funk is evident, lighting up the speakers with charm, sophistication and shrouded in the heady scent of sandalwood incense, taking the listener on a chilled out, vibe filled trip. Rosalie Cunningham; singer extraordinaire imbues each lyric with soulful underpinnings, harmonising beautifully to produce a tour de force of excellence, through mind boggling melodies and effervescent sound penetrating the ears as well as the psyche.

 

The standout track for me is “Electric Landlady”, a twinkly, funk laden “In A Gadda Da Vida” style throw down with flecks of Hendrix(of course). An ultra-catchy, fuzzy, pop filled number that will fast become an ear worm. “The Window Cleaner” is a mixture of hazy, chilled out verses and brain fogged choruses and “I Know” a sombre acoustic-tinged balled playing on the heart strings. A full eight minutes of “The Bitter Suite” is pure prog perfection really pushing the band firmly into the memory banks of progliness.

With all ten songs covering a wide range of sounds and with their anchor firmly planted in the soil of a 1970’s rock garden, the variety within offers solid coverage for various genres. Throughout the album they cleverly combine flecks of The Beatles and Iron Butterfly, with Jazz and Prog to create this smorgasbord of tunage, underpinned by superb production, the result is a warm, organic sound, with complex arrangements and superb melodies producing a rich musical landscape.

“Desire’s Magic Theatre” is available here

 

Band info: facebook || twitter

Heart Of A Coward - 'Deliverance' (Album Review)

By: Kat Hilton

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 02/10/2015

Label: Century Media Records

Each song is thoughtfully arranged and on repeat you unpeel the layers finding increasing love instead of faults. There is no doubt that they have put in the work, knuckled down and let their sparks of potential ignite into a full blown raging inferno; a no nonsense, straight down the line slice of high quality modern metal.

“Deliverance” CD//DD track listing:

01. Hollow (04:16)

02. Miscreation (04:35)

03. Turmoil I – Wolves (04:15)

04. Turmoil II – The Weak Inherit The Earth (05:48)

05. Anti-Life (03:43)

06. Grain Of Sand (04:00)

07. Mouth Of Madness (04:50)

08. Deliverance (05:01)

09. Skeletal I – Mourning (05:37)

10. Skeletal II – Arise (04:40)

Heart of a Coward is:

Jamie Graham | Vocals

Carl Ayers | Guitars

Steve Haycock | Guitars

Vishal "V" Khetia | Bass

Christopher "Noddy" Mansbridge | Drums

The Review:

Originally, bundled together with the likes of Monuments and TesseracT perhaps unfairly so, Heart Of A Coward seem to have hit the proverbial nail on the head with their third offering ‘Deliverance’; proving once and for all that the third time is invariably the charm. Their new record comes smashing through, unapologetic in its presentation to encourage neck thrashing to the extreme…whiplash anyone?

So what’s the magic formula, you may ask?  Well, rather than pump out mid paced tech metal with breakdowns littering their path, ‘Deliverance’ ups the ante in every aspect. There is an impending sense of urgency throughout each track; rather than sacrifice their inherent tech credentials they embrace them and move forward. With a sound that recalls Slipknot, Demon Hunter and Northlane it is a never ending tussle between brain and brawn, but Heart Of A Coward never forget their underlying need for punishing the listener.

‘Hollow’ is the first indication that HOC have embraced the feral and ferocious, opening ‘Deliverance’ and setting the scene for a thrash worthy little ditty. This track is a legend in the making; pile driving riffs come faster than a middle aged housewife watching 50 shades of Grey. Making you want to snap your neck thrashing away.  It is unforgiving and brutal, the musical equivalent of an earthquake. This song sets the entire album off on a high.  After the initial spin, this may seem like a bad thing as the following songs could be a bit anti-climatic but I urge you to spin it again- just like I did, because it soon becomes apparent that this is a massive step up from their previous offerings; retaining their muscular riffage and beefy grooves that are their trademark, but further demonstrating their maturity

‘Turmoil’ and ‘Skeletal’ both share the same ideologies yet seem miles apart in interpretation and that is definitely a trick up their sleeves; helping to lift them clear of the mundane. “Skeletal II- Arise” features a rather unexpected piece of piano work whilst “Turmoil 1- Wolves” is a sweaty, messy, adrenalin filled circle pit waiting to happen. The words stamped through the core of the song like Blackpool through a stick of rock.

Throughout the rest of the album the tracks flit between the pure steel of metal core and softer prog metal with djent style crunch punctuating the adept technical riffs and sneering grooves.

The vocals, ably provided by Jamie, are much cleaner on this album than in the past with an increased range that adorns several tracks and imbues them with towering, hook filled choruses. And whilst some of the lyrics are a tad cringe worthy heard through the speakers, this is one album that has been written for a pit, make no mistake on that, thus they will make a lot more sense when hollered back to the stage by a seething mass of sweat drenched, beer smelling bodies as the rage pours forth.

Each song is thoughtfully arranged; on repeat you unpeel the layers finding increasing love instead of faults. There is no doubt that they have put in the work, knuckled down and let their sparks of potential ignite into a full blown raging inferno; a no nonsense, straight down the line slice of high quality modern metal.   

This is not just a remarkable display of previously untapped potential with a flash of the bright future for these guys but also a reminder of how good metal core can be when honed to damn near perfection.

“Deliverance” is available here

Band info: facebook

Orchid - 'Sign of the Witch' EP (Review)

By: Kat Hilton

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 17/07/2015

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

With bands such as Witchcraft and Graveyard turning away from the overtly Sabbath styling’s; I wonder do Orchid do the same?  The San Francisco stalwarts however shun this trend instead opting for full on Sabbath worship in all its glory; their latest EP ‘Sign Of The Witch’ demonstrates this with sophistication, style and damn good riffs. A lean offering of 4 songs in just 18 minutes, it blasts the senses throwing forth their dominant influences; Osborne and Iommi.

‘Sign of the Witch’ CD//DD//LP track Listing

1. Helicopters (4:05)

2. John The Tiger (4:52)

3. Sign Of The Witch (4:22)

4. Strange Winds (5:30)

Orchid is:

Theo Mindell | Vocals

Carter Kennedy | Drums
Mark Thomas Baker | Guitar
Keith Nickel | Bass

The Review:

You like Sabbath…we’ll give you Sabbath; with bands such as Witchcraft and Graveyard turning away from the overtly Sabbath styling’s; I wonder do Orchid do the same?  The San Francisco stalwarts however shun this trend instead opting for full on Sabbath worship in all its glory; their latest EP ‘Sign Of The Witch’ demonstrates this with sophistication, style and damn good riffs. A lean offering of 4 songs in just 18 minutes, it blasts the senses throwing forth their dominant influences; Osborne and Iommi.  Fuck Me its goooooooood.

‘Helicopters’ is a blatant homage to ‘Paranoid’ with 70’s rock and roll; groove tinged bass and thumping drums making this epically good; with the guitars almost an afterthought it leads the drum/bass attack to hammer through with ease. Theo’s vocals here are immense, smooth and penetrating they inflame the senses and ensnare the mind.  ‘John The Tiger’ has a markedly increased tempo; that little bit easier on the sludge, with the main guitar beat almost peppy. Offering an unexpected blast in its final third as it breaks down into a Latin influenced jam; a firm progressive note

‘Sign Of The Witch’ the title track and definitely the heaviest amongst this EP, it is a Dio-era Sabbath extravaganza; riff heavy, earthy, gravel tinged vocals and intriguing vocals make it an instant hit. Although it lacks the momentum of the others, it has more twists and turns than the rocky mountain road  and is immensely talented offering with enough guitar magic to leave me breathless for a week *ahem*

‘Strange Winds’ concludes the EP and kicks off with a malevolent start; hinting at the evil lurking within, it is a silky, hypnotic keyboard heavy little number. Once more Theo shines through; the timbre of his voice, the eerie quality with heartfelt, raw emotion bordering on blues quality strikes me to the core.  Teetering on the edge of a full blown jam; the band draw it out to full effect; with each note there is an expectation that this is it, this is the one where they go hell for leather and leave one in a dribbling pile to the next EP. Instead they leave unresolved tension; the string of sanity pulled taught and I for one panting for more- the clever fuckers.

‘Sign of the Witch’ is out now

Band info: official | facebook | twitter |youtube

Carousel - '2113' (Album Review)

By: Kat Hilton

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 28/08/2015

Label: Tee Pee Records

‘2113’ is a blur of dynamic, late night booze fuelled journeys filled with timeless hooks and immensely powerful solos. A band that knows how to capture your attention; they filter the music of their childhood heroes add a contemporary twist and their unique flair and create magic. They build on their concrete foundation of strong vocals and catchy choruses, wrap up some tight backing and present a very pleasing album complete with a jazzy little bow.

‘2113’ CD//DD//LP track Listing

1). Trouble
2). Photograph

3). Buried Alive in Your Arms
4). Jim’s Song
5). Highway Strut
6). Strange Revelation

7). Man like Me

8). 2113
9). Turn to Stone (Joe Walsh cover)

The Review:

The Pittsburgh rockers Carousel are back with ‘2113’, the follow up to their hit debut ‘Jeweler’s Daughter’ of 2013. The rocking foursome welcome their new guitarist Matt to spaff out 8 guitar laden chunks of loveliness and a cheeky Joe Walsh cover.  Their opening gambit ‘Trouble’ captures my interest immediately with a thumping drum driven intro amidst the guitar madness.  Riffs exploding through the speakers, the squawk of strings and incessant aural battery. Phew! Just as I think I need a second, the vocals make their appearance, solid, melodic and with a hint of growl all topped off with a truckload of strutting confidence, leave this song in the memory bank for a while. Wheeler shines here; a delightful vocal mix of 70’s blues rock, 80’s screaming  and grungy 90’s enrobed by the laid back sexy stoner attitude is engaging.

‘Photograph’ is up next with a sexy little groove that gets the hips going, redolent of smoky bars, cheap whisky and one night hook ups; it swoons the senses and inflames the libido with its thrumming vibrations. An excellent solo midway keeps up the vibe before it is taken over by what can only be described as a Wah fiesta....some fucker has found that pedal and he is going to make it earn its money! ‘Jim’s Song’ is an upbeat, bluesy number chock full of the pant wettingly (take that as you will) good guitar riffs, the up tempo swagger filled vocals and impressive drum work typifies their style and demonstrates their excellence. ‘Man Like Me’ whiny guitars-check, thrashing drums- check, good bass line- check, swarthy vocals, that yes, would encourage me to love a man like that,- check, really need I say anymore, aural pleasure- get on it!

Lastly, ‘cos if someone covers Joe Walsh, you just have to write about it, ‘Turn To Stone’, and well, what can I say? Soulful with flashes of Brent Smith style vocals, expertly executed riffs, blending acoustics and crying guitar make this an immensely pleasurable cover that will linger filling up the senses.   ‘2113’ is a blur of dynamic, late night booze fuelled journeys filled with timeless hooks and immensely powerful solos. A band that knows how to capture your attention; they filter the music of their childhood heroes add a contemporary twist and their unique flair and create magic. They build on their concrete foundation of strong vocals and catchy choruses, wrap up some tight backing and present a very pleasing album complete with a jazzy little bow.

‘2113’ is available here

Band Info: Facebook | Instagram

Freedom Hawk - 'Into Your Mind' (Album Review)

‘Overall a very strong album that holds strong throughout; immense riffs and licks, explosive drumming, engaging vocals and solid bass playing- it doesn’t get much better.’

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 23/6/2015

Label: Small Stone Recordings

‘Into Your Mind’ CD//DD//LP Track Listing

1). Blood Red Sky

2). Journey Home

3). Lost In Space

4). On Your Knees

5). Waterfall

6). Radar

7). Beyond Our Reach

8). Into Your Mind

9). The Line

10). All Because Of You

Freedom Hawk is:

Lenny Hines | Drums

T.R. Morton | Vocals, Guitar

Mark Cave | Bass

Review:

The Virginia Beach rockers are back!

Now a trio since  the departure of Matt Cave, they bring out their 4^th album and follow up to their 2011 release ‘Holding On’.  Heavy riffs, rolling grooves and soulful melodious guitar entwine to produce their immediately identifiable sound. ‘Into Your Mind’ brings another dimension to their fuzz tinged offerings with all the swagger one would have expected after their previous effort.

A twinge of Ram Jam sneaks into opener ‘Blood Red Sky’; to what proves to be a bloody amazing album, flecked with stoner vocals and Sabbath like grooves,  it oozes into the sub conscious pummelling the senses with aplomb. Definitely the most radio friendly song, a stoner rock band can write, it has the rhythmic pulse of Led Zeppelin with the charisma of Ozzy. Rather adroitly they alternate and meld the prime elements of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s classic rock, metal, psychedelic rock, grunge and even a tinge of thrash. A belting opener.

‘Lost In Space’ epitomises the Virginia Beach trio at their finest; harnessing every single element that makes them enjoyable to the listen to; sci-fi lyrics, guitar riffs and lead melodies that create momentum and splashes of colour to lift the arrangements. The passion they have for hard rock and its history is transferred directly into this song and its finely tuned style of song writing.  The lead break in ‘Journey Home’; housing more layers than a triple decker sandwich, brings the catchiness up to immensely classic levels whilst the refined drum rolls from Hines and psychedelic chord choices make ‘Waterfall’ an absolute must have for their live shows; housing a slinky funk groove before opening up to a stoner rock ballad, superb stuff.

With a nod to Southern Rock, they take a wander with ‘Beyond Our Reach’, with clean, echoing guitar rhythms that hammer into the brain and take root enabling you to hum them all day long. Putting a pin in their heavy distortive work to get their point across, and they do, so very well.  Smoothly moving into the title track ‘Into Your Mind’ with a Clutch like stomp, you’re subjected to wondrous harmonies that combine Soul, Blues, Hard Rock and Stoner Metal with style,  making this trio diverse- yes but also enticing, flowing with musical chemistry. Jim Morrison’s influence is a shining beacon on the opening vocals here. A track that can only be described as organic; it is like no other on the album but reflects the roots of the Hard Rock/Metal genres. This song reminds the listener; no matter what kind of song they write, what lies at their core- delivering energetic rock whilst worshipping at the altar of the greats. It is by this point that I have realised just how good drummer Lenny Hines is; almost Ian Paice like, his dexterity for fills and his stylistic variations are immense. Each drum part is superbly arranged and executed with intent and attention to dynamics.

‘The Line’ glides in next; instantly attention grabbing, sombre and melodic, driven with emotionally charged vocals and strong bass lines, it is wondrously morose and melodic. The guitar lines take over about half way through and lead the song to an enchanting instrumental ending. Ending on a high with ‘All Because Of You’; it is a funky, groovy number that will cause those with even the blackest of souls to have a little wiggle round the kitchen.  It is simple yet effective and with more than ample guitar wizardry, catchy drums and bass entanglement, it takes me a minute to calm down and declare that I am in no doubt this record is winning. With the focus honed on refined, hook-orientated chord progressions and the Ozzy like crooning of guitarist T.R. Morton these 10 songs remind me of everything from Sabbath to Kyuss; Clutch to retro Corrosion of Conformity.

Overall a very strong album that holds strong throughout; immense riffs and licks, explosive drumming, engaging vocals and solid bass playing- it doesn’t get much better. They have developed a fantastic writing/playing style that pings the senses and has massive potential for success within the retro/classic rock movement. They balance the vocal and instrumental parts alongside excellent attention to detail with their arrangements. Capitalising on the best of the 70’s whilst adding their own twist based around excellent song writing as opposed to stylistic retro posturing.  If you love classic rock and up tempo metal/hard rock then this will settle nicely between the ears and tickle your fancy.

Words by: Kat Hilton

‘In Your Mind’ is available here

For more information:

Like: https://www.facebook.com/freedomhawkmusic

Official: http://freedomhawk.net/

Follow: https://twitter.com/freedomhawkband

Listen: http://freedomhawk.bandcamp.com/

Photos: http://instagram.com/freedomhawkband

Sideburn - 'Evil or Divine' (Album Review)

‘Their genuine, honest musicality offers diversity backed by superb talent’

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 09/06/2015

Label: Metalville Records

‘Evil or Divine’ CD//DD//LP track Listing

1). Masters and Slaves

2). Sea of Sins

3). When Darkness Calls

4). The Seer (Angel of Death)

5). The Day The Sun Died

6). Evil Ways

7). Presence

Sideburn is:

Morgan Zocek | Guitar, Background vocals
Dimitri Keiski | Lead vocals, Guitar
Martin Karlsson | Bass, Organ, Background vocals
Fredrik Haake | Drums, Percussion

Review:

Sweden; the world third biggest exporter of music after the US and the UK is a fertile ground for great musicians and Sideburn are living, breathing and damn right rocking proof of this. Blending melodic doom metal, a dash of classic rock and a bong full of stoner vibes with aplomb has created their 5^th album ‘Evil or Divine’ (Homage to Dio anyone?).  From the first grunge infused riff in ‘Masters and Slaves’ I was hooked, already on my review hit list the urge to listen to the album in its entirety was compounded when Morgan sent me a link to ‘Sea of Sins’. Thankfully, for my aural leanings, my hunch paid off; the riffs were a’building; the sludge getting heavier; the guitar play hitting epic status and all before song 3 began. Oooh, I am in love.

‘Masters and Slaves’ is a superb offering and a seemingly gentle introduction, there is just enough classic rock vibe here to appeal to the 70’s rock freak in us all without aping the greats. Veering off piste, they add that extra kick of groove; surrounded by the smooth gravel flecked tones, Dimitri on vocals harnessing his inner Sabbath, it is a perfect start. ‘Sea of Sins’ follows; the intro- immediate thumping drums surrounding by a perfectly timed groove flecked riff that is undoubtedly ear porn. Once more the dense vocals of Dimitri kick in with superb timing as he sings his heart out on this increased tempo number all surrounded with some insane riffage. Just, yes.

‘When Darkness Calls’ is decidedly more sludge filled than the previous 2 offerings, the stoner vibe oozes its way out of the speakers, subtle in its presentation yet in no way lacking, it is a superb display of talent. Sending chills up the spine, the vocals heart wrenching, simple, overflowing with emotion as the soul, the tortured victim, is bared, naked and bleeding. Jazzed up towards the end with epic guitar screams; the strings are played to within an inch of their lives howling in their misery they go on to end with a flourish.

‘The Seer (Angel of Death)’, can we say groove? Slap a bit of doom tinged boogie in there and you are close to what this is. With a Maiden meets Sabbath vibe- the persistent drums thrumming away in the background, the heavy whining guitar work; it just works.  ‘The Day The Sun Died’ is haunting from the start, this sends a chill down the spine, touching on the bands earlier work, the doom and gloom vibe this emits is fitting of the title. Mournful and Melancholic it gouges out the senses replacing all thought, feeling and emotion with black swirling apathy.

‘Evil Ways’ again moving to the up tempo, keeping the listener on their toes, changing the pace and ensuring comfort is kept at bay. Touching on the classic rock once more this shifts the mood once more. Dimitri once more singing his arse off, offering the odd scream, whilst the guitar/drum/bass background snuggle up to offer a stonking backing track. Two thirds of the way through there is an epic amount of guitar pyrotechnics that will leave one hankering for more.

‘Presence’ is the final offering on this album and it comes all too soon, to begin; so soft and melodic, the gentle metallic squeal of guitar strings alongside the easy flowing almost new age drum work, sets the scene for a heart wrenching finale. Quickly upping the ante the track moves to heavy, to floating peaceful and calm then to doomy, all within a heartbeat. An epic 7 minute journey that leaves you on a high and with a backing beat engrained on your soul, one that is not easily replaced.

Their genuine, honest musicality offers diversity backed by superb talent, Sideburn manages to produce a cohesive, sonic, groove filled journey of an album. Gliding from groovy to heavy with immense amounts of power and sludge tinged Easter eggs, this album is a fantastic effort. It brings a new taste with each song, blends numerous genres and displays some epic talent; an album that has to be listened too, repeatedly.

Words by: Kat Hilton

‘Evil or Divine’ is available now

For more information:

Like: https://sv-se.facebook.com/sideburnswedenfanpage

The Vintage Caravan - 'Arrival' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 15/05/2015

Label: Nuclear Blast

‘Arrival’ CD//DD//LP track Listing

1. Last Day of Light

2. Monolith

3. Babylon

4. Eclipsed

5. Shaken Beliefs

6. Crazy Horses

7. Sandwalker

8. Innerverse

9. Carousel

10. Winter Queen

The Vintage Caravan is

Óskar Logi | Guitar/Vocals

Guðjón Reynisson | Drums

Alex Örn | Bass

Review

The Vintage Caravan is a new one for me, only having uncovered them on their third full length release, yet I am impressed from the first notes of ‘Last Day of Light’ to the last riff of ‘Winter Queen’, the album impressive.

Formed in 2006 (they were 12, 12 people!) they practiced their arses off before emerging in 2009 and releasing their first album in 2011, followed by ‘Voyage’ in 2014. With a European tour already under their belt, 2 shows at the Roadburn Festival and their 2 previous albums, the young band have already achieved so much

The thrumming beat introducing ‘Last Day of Light’ is almost animalistic, simple yet sublime with clean presentation reminiscent of tribal drums, it hammers gently requesting permission to enter before the guitar riffs grab a hold of the lugholes and refuse to let go.  With a groovy 70’s twist the vocals kick in smoothly completing the threesome with aplomb.  With a guitar solo a third of the way through that quite frankly leaves me in a pile of drool, the start of the caravan journey is a good one.

‘Monolith’ is second up, full of groove, swagger and heavy chords, it is simply immense.  So easy going, yet interesting and leaving no room for boredom, just piling on the riffs, delivering a constant thrum through the strong drums and Logi’s vocals keeping the intrigue level cranked up until the end. The song writing here, with many of the other songs, is impeccable.

I flow through the album on a delicious, hazed, prog journey; images of flower filled meadows and gnomes hiding behind toadstools, emerging straight from the pages of an Enid Blyton novel. The songs hold strong, fast paced in the middle, slower in the beginning and at the end, each and every one is wrapped seductively around a clean structure with regular tempo changes to ramp up the interest.

‘Crazy Horses’ is a filthy beast; from the start a dirty riff that strikes to the very core, the monotonous drums giving a sludge tinged edge backed by the earthy bass to begin. And then; a ramped up Logi enters, bringing the energy and buzz of a 2 year old on a sugar high with classic rock vocals resplendent in simplicity, yet  exudeelegance that will have you boogying round the kitchen in no time. A stand out track for me and one that is like a fine wine, it gets better with age and as with all good songs, it also gets better the more times you hear it, marking this one for a future classic.

‘Carousel’ is dripping with potential, and easily a contender for the next Bond film there is the underlying acid trip, yes, but mingled with that prog/classic touch they do so well. The bass solo alone is worth a listen as Orn leads us onto a fantastical, aurally complex and ultimately rewarding trek of the senses, leaving one dribbling in the corner and rocking slightly.

‘Winter Queen’ brings the album to an epic 8 minute conclusion, rounding up everything that is fantastic about a band and has made them on to this writers list of firm favourites. A relaxed rocker effort, it is perfectly timed with a creeping build up and meticulous solos that astound the senses and leave an imprint that, happily, nothing will erase.

This trio of immensely talented musicians seem to have sprung fully formed, instruments in tune and ready to astound, from the womb, musicality and talent ooze from their pores and infect their aura. Every single one of them is immensely skilled, the ability to express such emotion is not taught, you either have it or you don’t and they do…in spades.

Bringing to the fore the likes of Paul Gilbert, Eddie Marcolin and Billy Sheehan, not for comparison or similarity, purely for their insane talent and incredible artistry.

This delightful trio appeal to every part of my music loving heart and soul, their bluesy classic rock, their psychedelic leanings, their prog and doom twists and slants, all of it works harmoniously with a heavy enough sound even for the metal head in me to rejoice.

Words by: Kat Hilton

‘Arrival’ is available everywhere now

For more information:

Like: https://www.facebook.com/vintagecaravan