This is Robin Trower’s third album to feature Davey Pattinson on vocals and would be Robin’s last for Atlantic. I do like Davey on vocals, but nobody can beat Jimmy Dewar singing this type of music.
If you’re used to hearing Robin doing his patented heavy blues/funk groove then this album is a bit of a departure. Eddie Kramer was brought in to produce it and the result is a lot more polished and clean.
Turn The Volume Up feels like an attempt to do a big rock song, especially with the hook and sing a long gang chorus. If that’s what they were aiming for then they missed the boat by a few years. I realize I’m being a bit negative and that gives a false impression, as the record is very enjoyable indeed. In fact, there are plenty of groovy moments. For example, Natural Fact has a real cool blues funk riff with a great swing to it, and I Would Still Be Here For You is pure old school Trower with a killer riff and the guitar tone is superb it’s my favourite track. However, the big rock grooves of Everybody’s Watching is a close second with a massive hook and chorus!
Robin doesn’t make bad records and even though the feel of this one is different from old it’s still a great record.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
