BANGALORE CHOIR – Metaphor

AOR HEAVEN 2012

Like the proverbial London bus, you wait ages for a Bangalore Choir album- 18 years from their ‘On Target’ classic- and then two come in quick succession, ‘Cadence’ being followed 18 months or so later by this follow up.

There have been no significant changes in musical direction with David Reece’s throaty, Coverdale esque roar still the focal point of a set of enjoyable bluesy hard rock. The album is worth buying alone for the second song, Trojan Horse, with a pre-chorus bridge of such force it could storm an ancient city by itself. Don’t Act Surprised and Always be My Angel have hooks almost as strong, and the guitar work from fellow founder member Curt Mitchell and producer Andy Sussemihl is excellent throughout.

The pace is similar throughout with the sole exception, of Never Face Ole Joe Alone, an acoustic driven outlaw blues that has more in common with the likes of Seasick Steve. In general those where the tempo is taken down slightly, such as Catch an Angel Fallin’ and Fools Gold, showcase David’s deep voice more effectively. However, hot on the heels of the debut’s Angel in Black and My Angel Wears White from last year’s Reece Kronlund project, he is in danger of developing an obsession similar to Ronnie James Dio’s frequent lyrical references to rainbows!

One of the frustrations of one time major label bands now going it alone is soldiering on with reduced production budgets, and my enjoyment was lessened by a slightly tinny sound with the rhythm section something of an afterthought. That quibble aside, another very solid album from a band it is great to have back in the fold.

*** 1/2

Andy Nathan

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)