Roadrunner [Release date 9 July 2012]
The Canadian prog rockers’ 19th studio album, and long awaited too, it’s been a few years in production. In fact two tracks were released as radio / download singles 2 years ago, before last year’s live set.
From the opening Caravan, a swirling (almost circus) intro, it’s immediately a chunky hard rock number. While there are the trademark softer parts, piano interjections and characteristic vocals, the grandiose sweeping prog of the 70s and 80s has largely (but not totally) given way to a rock’n’roll harder edge. The riffs are solid, the guitar solo blistering, the rhythms strong and upfront.
BU2B has a more acoustic intro that builds to a more crunchy sound – a hint of 90s King Crimson. Then the title track, which is quite thunderous, some pace (and noise) changes, and vocal harmonies. A decent melody, and almost alternative in the heavier parts.
The Anarchist is a real standout, a highlight, the driving bass lines, tribal drums, and hard rock riffs, no messing, it really does just rock in the most enjoyable fashion. Carnies follows in similar fashion, with a guitar solo and melody that harks back to the 80s.
Throughout the album the pace, times, range and feel change; Seven Cities Of Gold a good example of how it all comes together and works. Some frantic fretboard work add to the noise; good old fashioned hard rock mixed with a touch of 90s alt/nu, smoothed over with classic Rush and modern production.
Given the modern sounds and angles, I was very pleasantly blown away – a thoroughly enjoyable album throughout that should please long term fans and the younger generation alike. And the packaging is superb, and when you add on the Classic Rock Mag fanpack you get real value for money.
****1/2
Review by Joe Geesin
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May
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 2 March 2025.
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 on 4 March 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
