This is the is the band’s 7th album that was released in 2011. It was the last to feature original drummer, Pat Torpey, as a performing drummer as he was diagnosed with Parkinsons. He sadly succumbed to the disease in 2018.
There are not many bands that can do this type of rock today. Killer musicianship coupled with great songs seems to be in short supply as of late – well everywhere except Sweden. Any band that has Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert in it has to be killer right? This album just smokes right from the off with Undertow. Superb track with a killer melody and groove. American Beauty is Shyboy in disguise, with Paul Gilbert letting loose those killer licks. Eric Martin still looks 18 years old and he possesses one of the finest voices in rock, and Stranger In My Life is all about his voice and the melody. Nobody Left To Blame is a very busy track especially the bass line and groove – it’s just a superb track with an added bonus of a monster guitar solo. Still Ain’t Enough For Me is a straight up fast rock n roll song, where Billy and Paul trade off licks with each other. Side 1 closes out with Once Upon A Time which has a really dirty upbeat blues groove.
As Far As I Can See opens up Side 2 and it’s more of the same – just a great song with a killer groove and superb playing. And that’s how it goes for the rest of the record…This band do not make bad album, and this is such a good record deserving of a home in anyone’s collection.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
