Album review – GINGER WILDHEART – Albion

Round Records (Release date – 31.03.14)

For many years Ginger Wildheart has been at the forefront of rock. Whether with The Wildhearts, solo or in one of his countless side projects he has never been scared to push the boundaries and challenge the listener. Above all though, regardless of what musical style he adopts, he never fails to write some of the catchiest songs committed to record.

‘Albion’ is the latest solo effort and once again Ginger doesn’t disappoint. The album was recorded as a band project with the same musicians who have been touring with Ginger over the last couple of years, including Random Jon Poole on bass and Victoria Liedtke on backing vocals. Liedtke also features with Ginger in Hey! Hello, another side project which found success last year.

From rocking tracks like ‘Cambria’, which features heavy guitars giving way to a lilting chorus, to the almost disco like ‘Grow A Pair’ there is something for everyone here. From the slightly skewed rock of ‘Drive’ to the closing chords title track ‘Albion’, which clocks in at a hefty ten minutes and encompasses a dozen different styles within the one track, Ginger once again provides the listener with many twists and turns. Always expect the unexpected and you won’t be disappointed.

If you are fully signed up member of the Ginger appreciation society then you will undoubtedly love this latest release. For the casual listener it may be more of a challenge, however you will find something here that appeals. There is no substitute for a catchy song which gets lodged in your brain and with this album Ginger has provided us with a whole cranium full. Fill your head with the sounds of Albion!

****

Review by David Wilson

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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)

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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)