So this is it, the final album… or as Anthrax would say…Over Finished Done Gone OUT! Well, I hope that’s the case, as we all know farewells don’t seem to last too long in the world of rock n’ roll.
The songwriting seems to be an even split between Eric Martin and Paul Gilbert this time around. Some songs they co-write, and some are single efforts. I tend to favour the ones that Paul has a hand in as there is a lot more going on musically. Eric’s songs are a lot more simple and to the point. They could be Eric Martin solo efforts, as the band identity fades. Whereas, on Good Luck Trying (my favourite tune) which opens up the album, has a very busy blues arrangement that they do so well and is a trademark Mr/ Big groover.
Other high points for me are What Were You Thinking (another blues based old time rock n’ roll groover), Up On You (which is a fun mid tempo rocker), and the close out track 8 Days On The Road (which PG sings and is a cover of the Fogahat tune also done by Aretha Franklin).
If this was your last album you’d want to go out on a bang, right? Instead, it sort of goes out on a squelch. It’s a solid record but not a great one.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
