Album review: THE STRUTS – Strange Days
Polydor [Release date 16.10.20]
They may hail from Derby, but the Struts have that glam meets classic rock appeal that goes particularly well in the US. Neat idea behind this album to record it in ten days whilst in lockdown. Vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliot, and drummer Gethin Davies are joined by a series of guests including Robbie Williams, Tom Morello, (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave) Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
It is the Robbie Williams duet and title track that has been gaining the Struts plenty of attention outside of their usual rock fan base. Heck, the song even gets played on my local BBC radio station! They complement each other well and an unexpected treat.
A big Stones strut on ‘Cool’, another possible single, whilst their cover of the Kiss classic ‘Do You Love Me’ will appeal to the classic rockers out there. ‘Can’t Sleep’ sees them back with a glam rock stomper – something they do so well.
Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and Phil Collen pop up on ‘I Hate How Much I Love You’, complete with a trademark cheeky laugh sign off by Mr Elliott. Great fun and just what we need in these challenging times.
The Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. helps out on the indie rocker ‘Another Hit Of Showmanship’. Reminded me a little of Foxy Shazam. Now there’s a possible future team-up which could prove very fruitful. For something totally different try the easy on the ears ‘Am I Talking To The Champagne (Or Talking To You)’. You can see where the Queen comparisons come from, not only from the flamboyance of Luke Spiller, but also the Struts willingness to go down any musical route they fancy.
Strange days indeed, yet we have this album to lift the spirits and one to play loud me dears. Great work fellas. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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