Big in Europe, this is The Brew’s 4th studio album. A band with a massive reputation for great live music have produced a monster of a studio album. This release on Jazzhaus records was produced by the British trio with producer Chris West. The music is a blend of classic blues / rock although this release has a very modern sound. This is collection of old school rock songs, sing along choruses with riffs that get under your skin. Best of all the music grows on you with every listen. Here are my high and low lights.
Sirens of War: Opening track, no idea what it’s all about, either very deep or gibberish, I lean to the latter. But I don’t mind that in my lyrics, the words sound great together, the song is as catchy as hell without ever being cheesy, has a riff that moves and grooves. Must be heard live, great set opener.
Six Dead: Darker, moody guitar, thick with atmosphere and intent. I love this track it is a powerful statement, angry and desperate. Killer riffs and searching vocals that smoulder just above the brooding bass drums and guitar.
Reached the Sky: This track is a slow burner that climaxes with a Jason Barwick guitar break that is epic. Wah wah used to terrific effect and takes this song to another level. Again I have no idea what the song is about, but the lyrics are again very deep, or gibberish, I go for deep this time to keep the deep/gibberish scale in balance. But the track is a roller coaster ride and leaves you breathless.
The Third Floor: Shades of Blackmore’s “Kill the King” riff, catchy chorus, life on the road lyrics. Happy to say the lyrics fall into the deep camp. Hotel rooms on the 3rd floor, life’s a bitch.
Crimson Crystal Raindrops: Prog’ rock in the early Floyd style. Psychedelic nonsense but none the worse for that. Atmospheric and lyrics that fall so neatly into the gibberish camp they are a joy.
Imogen Molly: Shouty punch the air, load brash rock n roll all about Imogen Molly with those “Charming eyes and deceiving lies” women eh!
Low light: Drum solo on “Let it Back”. Great drumming but I can barely tolerate a drum solo of this length live. No place for such a beast on a studio album. It takes the track to 8.47.
I would like to have seen a couple of the tracks expanded out. The Brew have all the imagination, musicality and balls to push the envelope with their music. Cut one or two songs out and give say, Six Dead the works i’m sure it gets live. This is a band I look forward to seeing live in the UKin the Autumn.
****
Steve Jenkins
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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