THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: March 18, 2024 (Page 1 of 2)

LYNCH MOB – Rebel

March 18, 2024 /

This album originally appeared in 2015, but this version is a 2022 reissue. I have mentioned on previous reviews how I am a big fan of The George and his style and the grooves he  comes up with. He is last man standing of his generation and the players that were around when they were playing pubs, clubs, and back yard parties. As well as George, he is joined here by Oni Logan on vox, Jeff Pilson on bass, and Brian Tichy on drums.

A very low down and dirty heavy blues groove is the direction that this record takes, and that fits Oni’s vocals nicely. I always look for something a little different in anything that George releases, as he always throws a curveball in there. Sanctuary is just one of those songs. The guitar has an evil tone that matches the groove and Oni’s almost preaching to the assembled throng.

However, my favourite tune is Pinetree Avenue. It’s an awesome slow funk rock groove with a hint of Kings X in there. It hits the spot for me, plus the cherry in the top is the solo. Killer tune! Kingdom Of Slaves is a slower paced track but the impact is huge. It’s heavy blues at its best, and Oni singing is ass off. Killer old school riffage from George and a beaut solo too.

I know George is out there now doing a farewell tour but I hope he keeps recording.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

THOSE DAMN CROWS – Inhale/ Exhale

March 18, 2024 /

This is album number three from this Welsh modern rock band who came together in 2014. They occupy the same space as the Florida rockers, Shinedown, especially with the vocals of Shane Greenhall who has that same tone as Brent Smith.

Their first two releases passed me by and big thanks to my friend Russell who put me on to this album. If you’re a fan of rock with melody that packs a punch then this could be for you. The album has got super catchy songs with big hooks and those earworm choruses that get stuck in your head for days.

Favourite songs for me are the opener Fill The Void with a great fast tempo and a beast of a hook and chorus, and the monster that is Find A Way. It has a great, heavy, low end riff that chugs along nicely with the customary earworm chorus.  

A note of warning: this pressing is very noisy with lots of crackle, someone at Earache let this slip through the net. I will have to check out their earlier efforts as they are even better, apparently.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

Priestess – Prior To The Fire

March 18, 2024 /

Sometimes bands just don’t help themselves. For instance, here we have a band that released a double album plus a seven inch single and decided to put no identifiers on any of the labels. Never mind what track it is, but you have no clue as to what side you are playing.  

This is the Quebec retro rockers’ second album released on independent Tee Pee records in 2010. They sound like (on this record at least) a cross between Kyuss and early Mastodon, and maybe the MC5 with a touch of Sabbath. Yeah I know, it’s hard to get a handle on them.

My favourite tune is The Firebird. It’s a heavy punked up rocker with a killer retro solo. The production is very clear and raw, which I think suits the groove they are playing.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

MOTLEY CRÜE – Saints Of Los Angeles

March 18, 2024 /

This album actually came out in 2008 and was the last proper studio album they released. Sure, there have been live albums and such but that’s sixteen years between albums. These guys are just milking the audience by retiring and coming back playing the same old songs again and again. The only one of the four I have time for is Mick Mars, the others… not so much.

Anyway, it’s about the music right? Hmmmm…! This album doesn’t really feel like a Crüe record as there are a lot of outside influences, namely DJ Ashba and James Michael who get a credit on nearly every song, so it has a modern vibe to it (well, for sixteen years ago anyway). Face Down In The Dirt and Animal In Me are good songs but it’s all a bit average really and it sounds as though they have forgotten how to be Motley Crue.

I’m interested to see what John 5 brings to the band as he is a great player.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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