RUSS DWARF – Wireless

Singer Russ Dwarf found success in the 80’s fronting the Killer Dwarfs and their 1986 album ‘Stand Tall’ is one of those classic hard rock albums (I still have my vinyl copy!). This new solo album features acoustic reworkings of Killer Dwarf tunes. It also features a couple of name guests, current Guns ‘N’ Roses guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal and fellow guitarist Glen Drover, last seen in the Geoff Tate version of Queensryche before he left last year.

It’s not a bad album but it lacks some variety in pace as each song sounds very similar to the last, with Russ Dwarf’s raspy vocals to the fore backed by some acoustic strumming. The band’s big hits like ‘Stand Tall’ come out the best and opener ‘Keep The Spirit Alive’ is the sort of thing Jon Bon Jovi would have loved to have written.

Of interest to Killer Dwarf fans for sure but limited appeal outside of the band’s fan base.

***

Jason Ritchie

THE LOOK – Tunes and Stories

Beat Town Records www.thelookmusic.com (Release date 22.07.13])

Another 80’s pop rock band back with a new album. The Look had a hit with ‘I Am The Beat’ back in 1981 and the single has since been played by Radio 2’s Chris Evans amongst others. Since then they released their second album in 2004 (they make Def Leppard seem prolific!) and now we have this new album featuring the two key members Mick Bass (keyboards/guitar) and Jonny Whetstone (vocals/guitar).

‘Let It Go’ sounds like latter day Status Quo when they do a decent pop rock tune, although I was thinking bizarrely of Chas ‘N’ Dave on the chorus! ‘Made It All’ has an ELO riff and feel to it, all that is missing is a trademark Jeff Lynne guitar solo. Another ELO sounding song is ‘Goodbye New World’, a possible future singleperhaps? A couple of songs tend to wash over the listener but then with pop rock you’re after that instant musical fix and maybe these songs will gel with repeated plays.

Some good songs on here but their biggest problem is getting pop rock like this heard and exposed to a wider audience. Time to call Chris Evans and get ‘Let It Go’ playlisted by Radio 2!

***1/2

Jason Ritchie

BLEEDING HANDS – Ordinary Thinking

http://www.reverbnation.com/bleedinghands

Bleeding Hands is basically singer/songwriter Andy Hughes who has been busy playing open mic nights and gigs mainly in the north west of England. He has gravelly vocal style, reminiscent of Dick Gaughan and he shares the same talent of storytelling through songs. ‘Butterfly’ is a lovely song and along with ‘The Lesson’ the pick of the tunes on offer. Simple, yet effective acoustic guitar backs each song, nearest band comparison I can think of would New Model Army in acoustic mode.

Check him out on on Reverbnation he is worth your time.

***1/2

Jason Ritchie

SCOTT COOK One More Time Around

One More Time Around is the 4th ‘love letter to the world’ from Alberta, Edmonton based roots troubadour Scott Cook. Financed by those with a love of his music, the 10 song collection comes in a lovingly crafted gatefold sleeve painted by Cook and with an extensive36 page booklet that includes not only the lyrics and credits, but the song chords and Cook’s thoughts on copyright in the digital age and more.

For the most part the album focuses on Cook’s finger picking acoustic guitar accompanied song telling, his rich, warm vocals echoing the style of the likes of James Taylor and Glen Campbell.

It’s an easy on the ear listen, but the tracks that stand out, for me at least are the less typical ‘Use Your Imagination’ – a swampy electric blues, and ‘New Grist’ which has wonderfully sympathetic harmony vocals courtesy of Jacquie B and Bramwell Park. Cook will be playing UK, Ireland and European dates in September/ October, some co-headlining with Jez Hellard.

You’re probably unlikely to hear ‘One More Time Around’ on the radio and it’s unlikely to be breaking any sales records, but if you’re looking for a relaxed singer songwriter evening, Scot Cook could be one to check out. ***

Review by Pete Whalley

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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)