These rockers have been described as the psychedelic version of Eagles with a sense of humour – not sure if that’s a good thing – and the cover of their latest album “Smokin’ Voyages” doesn’t particularly encourage that blood rushing feeling.
Doubts deepened with a rather odd intro “Entry”, thankfully it only last about half a minute…and then the 14-track production cruises into a real chilled out 70s-style psychedelic rock track, “Sunrise”, which has a strong bearing of Eagles in their heyday. The standard of the arrangements in their second effort was totally unexpected and admittedly, a pleasant surprise. “In My Mind” immediately follows, continuing the soul-warming rocky soundscape, with the presence of uplifting folk/country making an entry.
Their feather-light trademark was briefly interrupted with guitar-drenched offering, “I Am The Six O’clock News” and shifts to a perfect balance of rock and gut-hitting funk in the instrumental “Breakin’ The Ice”. From this track, they’ve really gone up in my estimation.
These four-piece outfits take the head-banging genre to another level that’s again totally unexpected and mind blowing. That glowing soundscape return in “Just Dropped In” where the main and soulful backing vocals gives the three-minute recording a spooked-out and gothic feel. Chirpy rock/folk number “I’m On My Way to Feelin’ Fine” gets a punch of gospel thanks to the powerhouse vocals arrangements. “Ghost Riders In The Sky” features a seamlessly modern take on traditional country music that would be very fitting to a Western production.
Good old fashioned rock and roll comes in the form of “Love Should Come Easy”; the intricate guitar riffs is set out to create involuntary movements from the feet at least.
Ok, yes I’ve been converted, these guys are really good – in fact, they’re out of this world! The vocals are (at times) a bit off, but I have a sneaky feeling that’s their intention. One thing I picked up from this act is that they don’t take themselves seriously and that’s a very refreshing change from an industry that’s filled egoistic musicians.
Listen to the latest release from the album, “Smile”.
