THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: album review (Page 41 of 469)

LOUD – D Generation

August 20, 2024 /

A another weird little band that got rave reviews in Kerrang, and other rock mags of the time. Loud only lasted for two albums and then they were done. This is their first record, produced by none other than Jazz Coleman. I guess that’s why they remind me of a cross between Killing Joke, The Cult, and 70’s Prog. That sounds like a strange mix right? Yet surprisingly, it all gels together rather well.

Guitarist Chris McLaughlin wrote everything on the album and you may know him from his time in New Model Army. The title track is my favourite as I love that Killing Joke groove and vibe. Although, I Am The Idol has that same feel and groove and is a close second. The Prog element is very prominent in Childhood Times, you would be forgiven for thinking this was a Yes track. The band even go full on metal with the intro to Explosive.

A quirky record and yet very entertaining.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

INTRONAUT – Void

August 19, 2024 /

This is Intronaut’s first release that came out way back in 2006. It sounds a lot different to the groovy beast that exists today. The grooves are here for sure but they are ensconced within a more hardcore sound. They have only released six albums and it has been four years since their last. They aren’t the most prolific and yet all the albums that they have unleashed on the world are all killer no filler.

This album was the first time I had heard the amazing Danny Walker on drums. His grooves are insane and he is one of the best there is. Unfortunately, due to his “indiscretions” he is no longer in the band.

It’s a very heavy record and yet deep in the grooves there are moments of beauty, like in the intro to Nostalgic Echo. Cool jangly guitars with a killer groove that then explodes into max riff groove-arama. The majority of the tunes however are odd time signature heaven with angry man vocals and enough crunchy riffs to fill a space bigger than you can think of. My favourite piece on the album is the last track, Fragments Of Character. A full on frenetic groove laden beast.

They seem to occupy their own little space within metal world  and are somewhat unique. I hope it isn’t too long before we hear some new tunes.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GUARDIAN – First Watch

August 11, 2024 /

The whole Christian rock scene was looked upon with ridicule in most of the rock mags in the early to mid 80’s, and if you tagged yourself as a Christian band it was the kiss of death for you career until Stryper came along. This was Guardian’s first release that appeared in ’89 and this version was released on Roadrunner, primarily a metal label at the time.

This album got my attention because of the killer guitar playing of Tony Palacios, who has to be one of the best guitarists you’ve never heard of. He embellishes every song with the right amount of awesome to lift the songs above the average. Mystery Man being a fine example of this as it’s a decent enough melodic rock tune with a nice groove and hook but the guitar lifts it to a great song. That’s basically the whole album. As what are mostly ordinary songs are elevated by some very cool guitar. My favourite song other than Mystery Man is Saints Battalion. If you can get past the lyrics, the song and melody are cool and the solo is so good.

So, if you’re interested in great guitar playing then check this out.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

DIRTY LOOKS – Turn Of The Screw

August 11, 2024 /

For some reason when Dirty Looks first appeared on the scene I passed them off as a poor mans AC/DC. Musically, they are definitely drinking from the same cup. They play that blues laced dirty rock n’ roll but with a tad more commercial vibe.

This album came out in ’89 and was the follow up to the successful Cool FromThe Wire. Nobody Rides For Free is that basic DC formula, but with a great hook and chorus. The title track and C’mon Frenchie are sleezed up glam fests with the latter grooving along at a great pace. Take What Yo Get is my favourite tune. It’s a great boogie driven song with a great riff, and the hook and  chorus are killer. Sometimes the DCisms are a bit close, like the opening riff and groove to Love Screams which steals the main riff to Let There Be Rock. Great song  though!

I do like my rock n’ roll simple with plenty of riffs and grooves, and Dirty Looks tick all those boxes. A great fun record.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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