Album review: THE ANSWER – New Horizon

October 1st, 2013 by jason

Amazingly this is the band’s fourth album and an important one as they have seemingly peaked fanbase wise here in the UK playing at mostly modest sized venues. They have had the helping hand of AC/DC’s management in their earlier days and now they have a new label, Napalm Records and Toby Jepson of Little Angels fame helped produce the album.

Have they delivered? Overall yes as they have produced their heaviest album to date and Toby Jepson has helped big time in giving the album a massive sound. ‘Speak Now’ is so damn heavy from the drums through to vocalist Cormac Neeson’s roaring vocals. ‘Concrete’ as its name implies features another monster riff on the loose, giving Alter Bridge a run for their money.

‘Somebody Else’ has a modern rock edge, not unlike Toby Jepson’s solo material, whilst the lead song ‘Spectacular’ is a classic Answer tune built on a big rhythm section, guitar riffs aplenty and Neeson’s distinctive vocals. They have already gained publicity over the accompanying video that was swiftly banned by YouTube. No real ballads this time around with ‘Call Yourself A Friend’ gets nearest and listen out for those vocal high notes competing with the guitar solos, cracking stuff.

Give the album time to sink in and they have really found their sound on this album, keeping those 70’s rock influences and adding their own modern twist. Given some label backing this one will push them onto the next level of success.

****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
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)