Album review: THE FIERCE & THE DEAD – Spooky Action

Bad Elephant Music www.fierceanddead.com

An all instrumental album can often be a hard sell but when the music is as varied and enjoyable as this it’s not an issue. The Fierce and the Dead comprise of Matt Stevens (guitars), Kevin Feazey (bass), Stuart Marshall (drums) and Steve Cleaton (guitar) and they create a varied musical mix. ‘I Like It I’m Into It’ sounds like Mastodon, with quiet guitar leading into heavier guitar and drums.

The bass lines on some of the songs would shake your fillings if played loud enough like on ‘Chief’. This song lulls you gently then hits you with a Pixies like wave of distorted guitars, impressive stuff. ‘Ark’ is a wonderful piece, little chiming guitar here and throbbing bass there and leaves a smile on your face and beat in your stride.

‘Let’s Start A Cult’ benefits from some added brass and is another tune to have you jigging around the room. The title track is my personal highlight, just listen to the guitar parts they really are special. The band may not like this comparison but it sounded like something Snow Patrol would compose.

Not since discovering prog rockers Frames have I enjoyed an instrumental album so much. Highly recommended.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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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)

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)

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