Monday 24 October 2011

ALBUM REVIEW: CHICKENFOOT - III


This, their second album, is jokingly titled ‘III’, but don’t think Chickenfoot are taking their music lightly. Contained within the grooves of this sophomore release are some stonking hard rock tunes crafted with all the expertise you would expect from such high profile musos. Songs such as ‘Big Foot’ which stomps hard and heavy, lead track ‘Last Temptation’ or ‘Up Next’ encompass the basis of the ‘Foot sound, one foot planted in the garden of rock, the other in the house of blues. While Michael Anthony/Chad Smith nail the rhythm section, Joe Satriani’s exquisite guitar is free to express itself in exemplary fashion. Meantime, Sammy Hagar delivers in tremendous style, especially on the ballad 'Come Closer'. There is an infectious joie de vivre surrounding 'III' as it showcases a band doing what they love, and loving every minute of it!

Joe Mackett



DVD REVIEW: BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION - LIVE OVER EUROPE


Black Country Communion have carved a reputable niche for themselves as real rock royalty. Filmed in HD over three nights to packed-out venues in the German cities of Hamburg, Munich and Berlin in the Summer of 2011, 'Live Over Europe' is a credible in-concert DVD package. The dramatic industrial title sequence sets the scene for the 18 Kevin Shirley sonically sharpened songs on offer. From the charismatic Glenn Hughes led assault of ‘Black Country’, the epically driven 'Save Me', to the mind-melting 'Cold' and a blood bursting cover of Deep Purple's 'Burn', this is a debut live showcase of simmering proportions. Add to this 'explosive' performances of Joe Bonamassa standards 'Song Of Yesterday', ‘The Ballad Of John Henry’ (plus a neat 'making of' documentary) and you have an enduring time capsule to the power of 'pure' classic rock!

Mark Crampton



Sunday 2 October 2011

ALBUM REVIEW: MONTE PITTMAN - PAIN LOVE AND DESTINY


Monte Pittman’s second solo album is a beautiful anthology of the contrasts and complexities of human nature; a depiction of our darkest and lightest moments, thoughts and fears eloquently and skilfully expressed in musical form. A departure from his initial solo endeavour ‘The Deepest Dark’, Monte introduces heavier touches and tones which provide shade and balance. ‘About You’ is just one of those songs that will happily stay with you and linger in your subconscious long after it has gone. The same can be said for ‘Somewhere In The Middle'. Vocals on ‘The Price Of Fear’ are clear as a bell as is the haunting 'Stay With Me’ with its strong melodic well produced clean sharp guitar sound, whilst album closer ‘Predetermined Destiny’ is 'Beatlesque' and quite hypnotic. All in all a real treat from a highly talented and gifted guitar genius!

Amanda Gentle