Do you remember the 70’s, a time of flared trousers, big sideburns, three day weeks and huge bands of the classic rock variety ? Stone Axe most certainly do and although the band were formed in Washington in 2007, their sound is firmly rooted about 35 years earlier. They were, according to the blurb, brought together for the purpose of ‘seventies rock preservation’ and in the studio the band consist of Dru Brinkerhoff on vocal duties and Tony Reed, formally of Mos Generator, covering all instruments, so do they manage to keep the 70’s flame alive ?
They most certainly do. This release contains two discs, one newly recorded and the other bringing together odds and sods previously released. The first disc is for me the better of the two with each track paying homage to an iconic band of the time, opener ‘Old Soul’ is reminiscent of Black Sabbath, ‘ We Know It’s Still Rock n Roll’ sounds like Bon Scott era AC/DC ( Big Balls to be exact ) , ‘ Those Were The Golden Years’ should have been on a Thin Lizzy album, even the vocals are spot on, you get the gist.
Don’t get me wrong though, although the influences on each track are clear Stone Axe have the talent to carry off this homage without it sounding like plagiarism, although Procol Harum could probably sue over last track ‘Turned To Stone’ which is a little too close to ‘Whiter Shade Of Pale’ for comfort.
The second CD features quieter, more acoustic numbers which venture into Free and Cream country. It is worth a listen but the first CD is the one that stands out here. If you like classic rock then you will love this. As I say the musical influences are worn well and truly on the bands collective sleeves, but as rock preservation goes this is about as good as it gets.
Let what little hair you have left grow, don your flares and get some Stone Axe in your life, you will feel the intervening 30 odd years melt away for an hour or so, or until your aching bones remind you just how long it’s been.
****
David Wilson
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
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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.
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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)
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