Album review – MICHAEL SHEPHERD BAND – II

May 5th, 2013 by david.wilson

Self Release (Release date – out now)

There aren’t many rock bands from Luxembourg that spring to mind, in fact the Michael Shepherd Band could well be the first I have heard of. The band have been together for a number of years, releasing their first album back in in 2002, so is this album worth a 10 year wait?

The answer is yes and no. The band are good no doubt about that, they play a fine, AOR laden, classic rock which I imagine would have lighters held aloft in stadiums worldwide given half a chance. Musically the band sound like a mix of Journey, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Lynyrd Skynyrd with all the classic rock hallmarks in place, solid rock tracks, big ballads, great harmonies and excellent guitar work.

The problem though is that all this has been done before back in the late 70’s and 80’s by the bands that the guys have modelled themselves on. Not only that but all of the bands mentioned are still on the road and producing the goods live night after night, the question is then why would you choose a homage to the real thing when you can have the real thing instead?

So, essentially this is a good album which also contains a cover version of Christina Aguilera’s hit ‘Beautiful’ which they actually make a good fist of but not a ‘must have’. Give them a listen though as they may be Luxembourg’s only rock export. ***

David Wilson

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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)