After departing Rainbow in 1980 after just one album and tour, Graham Bonnet found himself at a career high. Returning to solo work, the third LP released under his own name, 1981’s ‘Line-Up’ is a huge step forward from his two solo discs from the 1970s. To be fair, it couldn’t be any worse; 1978’s ‘No Bad Habits’, in particular, borders on being a terrible waste of plastic.
Category Archives: Album & EP Reviews
PATRICK BOUTWELL – Hi, Heaviness
Singer-songwriter Patrick Boutwell is best known for being a member of alt-rock band The Brother Kite. For his 2016 solo release, he takes a side-step from some of the noisier and spikier aspects of his band work to increase the focus on some good, old-fashioned power pop, but without losing too much of the grit. Although the title ‘Hi, Heaviness’ may suggest an inward looking approach, the nine tracks on the album are largely concerned with a brighter outlook, helped no end by most of its tracks being awash with a clean toned guitar. Obviously, the power pop, Posies-esque influences should be enough for some of you to seek out this recording immediately, while for those already familiar with The Brother Kite, there are chunkier elements that provide a link with the past. He’s got both ends covered…and with ease.
ANGERDOME – Angerdome
Groove metal arguably came of age with Pantera’s third release for East/West Records, 1994’s ‘Far Beyond Driven’. Taking the sound the band had pretty much perfected on 1992’s ‘Vulgar Display of Power’ and cranking the dials into the red on all fronts, it became the blueprint for all to follow. There have been some great bands working within the metal subgenre since that time, of course, but arguably, Lamb of God set a new standard with ‘Ashes of the Wake’ in 2004.
NOVACROW – Black Syrup EP
The love child of Black Moth, Kenny Hickey and Godsmack, Liverpool-based Novacrow make some impressive noises on their debut EP. A combination of gothy image, horror schlock and post grungey, stoner-ish riffs come together in fine form. With guitarist Jonyx knowing that a riff can often hit the mark – especially if winning over a live crowd – he firmly leads the way and exploits some enormous grooves on four of these five songs, while front woman Kitty S. compliments the heavy sounds with a full-bodied vocal performance that’s accessible and clean, while still retaining a sense of attitude to match the riffs.
THE BLACK MILK PROJECT – Holes EP
The home of steel, Def Leppard, Cockers Joe & Jarvis (unrelated), Arctic Monkeys and the backdrop for Threads – arguably the most frightening film ever – Sheffield isn’t always a city we necessarily associate with easiness, funk or jazz, but from within the city’s smog comes The Black Milk Project, an unlikely named trio whose debut EP shows the kind of comfort and self-confidence within their chosen musical niche, you’d think they were spawned from somewhere more cosmopolitan…and possibly twenty-something years earlier. Their sounds, dominated by a flowing quality that’s sometimes a throwback to early 90s acid jazz, always have flair, but also a crispness that really helps such easy tones not drift too far towards the easy listening.