Album review: PARDON THE INTERRUPTION – Hot N’ Fresh

September 12th, 2023 by GRTR! HQ

ptimusic.com [Release date 14.04.23]

It would be easier, some months following release, to pass over this album and regret a missed review opportunity. But not here at GRTR! The truth is that this album may have provided a soundtrack at least to our recent extended summer if not earlier. But hey, there’s always next year…

It may not surprise that the opener ‘Opa!’ sounds like something Santana could have jammed out back in the late-1960s and, yes, Pardon The Interruption (PTI) hail from San Francisco’s Bay Area.

Overall the band, with their second album, draw upon a rich well of influences from late-1960s funk like War and Tower Of Power to eighties pop rock. It’s all superbly executed.

Whilst entertaining, the introduction of a curveball piece like ‘Cindy Will Prevail’ unfortunately detracts. This is like the bastard offspring of Madness ‘One Step Beyond’. The ska influence is repeated on ‘Higher’.

And guitarist David Noble’s 80′s influences shine through on the infectious ‘Construction Man’ (‘Demolition Man’ anyone?) and (a standout) ‘I Used To Drive’ which both hark back to bands like The Police.

‘Rhythm Is Right’ is another highlight, a groovy bit of soul punctuated by Noble’s guitar. (Check out their video, oldies rock!!). ‘It’s Complicated’ is more uptempo and another great groove like that opener. The addition of sax throughout provides both colour and class.

Some sources describe the album as prog or prog pop. It isn’t, but it is perhaps a little too eclectic for it’s own good. The band are at their best when playing straight-ahead funk and ‘Life Is Fantastic’ written and sung by their horn player Jamison Smeltz is a suitable showcase.

This is essentially good time, barbecue music so if we get another warm spell, grab it and get out there! It’s never too late. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

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 3 November 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 29 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 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)