THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: March 2023 (Page 9 of 11)

TANK – The Power Of The Hunter

March 11, 2023 /

This was the Tank’s follow-up to the quite successful Filth Hounds Of Hades, and both were released in ’82. Often called Motorhead-lite, mainly due to the fact A) they were a three piece and more importantly, and B) Lemmy had taken them under his wing as he was buds with Algy Ward.

Listening now after such a long time, the one thing that hits you is how flat the production is. Walking Barefoot Over Glass opens up the album and this is as close as they came to writing a single, as the hook and chorus are quite catchy. Pure Hatred has a great riff and groove, it’s just screaming out for a fuller sound.  Algy certainly knew how to write a tune as Biting And Scratching has a really cool riff, and fairly bounces along. Some Came Running has a riff that reminds me of an old Budgie tune; lots of key changes ages, a very un-metal sounding track. T.A.N.K. closes out Side 1 and this is as close as they get to a Motörhead sound.

Used Leather opens up Side 2 and this is an archetypal NWOBHM song. The riff and sound just scream 1980. Not the best version I’ve heard of The Osmonds’ Crazy Horses is next up, and again the main problem is the production. Another classic sounding period tune is up next with Set Your Back On Fire. Red Skull Rock is full on Motorhead-lite with Algy copying that bass sound. The album closes out with the title track and my favourite. With the opening line of “hold on to your toupees,” it has to be a winner.

As I have mentioned a couple of times, the production let’s this album down and it would have been a killer record with a decent producer.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

FREAK OF NATURE – Gathering Of The Freaks

March 10, 2023 /

This is album number two for Mike Tramp’s project after White Lion. Freak of Nature ended in ’96, which is a shame as I really like the two albums, but playing melodic rock in the mid-nineties was a bit like having leprosy as one would touch it.

This album isn’t as hard and raw as the first one, but they had found their sound. After the short rootsy intro of The Gathering the album kicks off with Enemy, a great hard edged melodic rocker with a nice groove, and I love the hook and chorus; it’s also my favourite track. Stand back follows, a kick-ass groove fest with a great funky undertone, and the solos are killer. Raping The Cradle slows the tempo right down until the main groove kicks in then normal service is resumed. Big Black Hole reflects what was popular at the time, as Seattle seems the main focus of this one. I love the dark moody intro to The Tree as the song builds and explodes into life.

Side 2 starts up with Candle, a song which has a big Americana roots feel, especially with the hook and chorus. That midwest country vibe continues with Need, a song way before its time as every man and his dog is doing this vibe now. Killer opening riff and groove to Open Space, and the harmony guitars sound cool. This band have a great knack of doing killer intros, and Get It Yourself is no exception. The main riff and groove have a great swing to them. Powerless is up next and it’s the most frantic of the bunch, with a wild drum and guitar pattern. The album closes out with The Parting, an accompanying piece to the opening.

So if you were a perceived hair band guy in the mid nineties no one wanted to know your music, and if you released a harder edged, more raw project you were accused of trend jumping. A classic no win situation which Mike Tramp was caught in.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND – Revelator

March 9, 2023 /

If you are into music in any way there is one thing you should do before you leave this blue marble, it’s to go and see Tedeschi Trucks band live. Trust me, it will be a life altering experience for you. There is so much love and positivity flowing off that stage. Not only are they a touring family, but in real life Susan and Derek are man and wife who have their kids touring with them.

This album is sooo good, melding styles of blues, R’n’B, funk, and good old rock and roll, all fronted by Susan’s incredibly soulful voice and that distinct slide guitar of Derek. I love every inch of this record, it’s just superb. The melody and Susan’s voice on Midnight In Harlem brings a tear to the eye, as it’s such a moving piece. If I’m pushed, my favourite song is opener Come See About Me. From the swamp acoustic guitar at the intro, to that killer hook and chorus.

I think everyone should have this in their soul just to switch on when things are down. Trust me, you need this.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

SLIPKNOT – All Hope Is Gone

March 8, 2023 /

If you are over a certain age then I think it’s part of your gene pool that you hate Slipknot. I’m not sure if it’s the image that frightens them or the dark subject matter, but they certainly divide opinion. I, for one, find them fascinating and some of their riffs and grooves are regenerated old school thrash with the added intensity of a machine drummer.

This album is mid-period Slipknot having originally being released in 2008, and musically it’s on the money with riffs and grooves to die for. I know there are triggers and things enhancing what the drummer does ,but I have never heard a kick drum played that fast. I’m not going to go all through this album as it will take me forever, but I will say it’s a stone cold modern metal classic. If you are into big riffs and grooves with those head nodding beats, then you can’t go wrong.

My favourite track today is Sulfur. Everything I love about this album is in that one song: intense riffage with a ripping groove. Oh, and for those of you who think there is no melody in Slipknot world check out Dead Memories.

Great record!

10/10 from The Grooveman.

« Older posts Newer posts »

Archives

© 2025 THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑