Hyperspace Records [Release date 23.09.22]
The second album from a veritable “superband” conglomerate featuring Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Rainbow, drums) and Randy Pratt (Cactus, The Lizards, bass) with Ed Terry on vocals and JZ Barrell (guitars) They are joined by the likes of Pat Thrall, Don Airey and Dave Manketti (sic).
The essentially funky vibe on the opener ‘Hype In My Head’ Is a throwback to the late-1970s and I couldn’t help think of Wild Cherry and their funk pop confection ‘Play That Funky Music’.
As with any project like this the showmanship is important but the quality of the material is critical. In the main the songs are solid. And when punctuated by a Pat Thrall super shred or Don Airey ‘s organ the results are impressive.
Also appearing on this album, Tracy G (Dio) on the auto-tuned ‘The Game’ and that inveterate journeyman Joel Hoekstra who crops up on ‘Can’t Slow Down’. Throughout Rondinelli and Pratt form a joined-at-the-hip rhythm section especially evident on the semi-psychedelic ‘Doesn’t Matter’ which features additional vocals from Pat Klein (The Lizards). Ditto the rather appealing ‘Bubbles’.
Indeed Pratt told me in 2006 “To me, blending hard rock/heavy metal with funk is a life mission.”
In fact this latest album has made me want to re-discover Pratt’s earlier outing with The Lizards (Reptilicus Maximus) which I described as a “superb groove-laden heavy rock album”, another of those solid and worthy creations this time with rock funkmeister Glenn Hughes and Frank Marino (yes, Frank Marino!) and Vinnie Moore (who on his latest album worked with Ed Terry).
Referring to the previous Lizards album (2006) I wrote that it “made grown men who should know better very happy.” This also applies to the retro rock that is ‘Ruffyunz II’. The distinct impression is that. whilst it may not change the world, it reflects the seasoned input of its contributors and is well worth a listen. Cool, groovy, and compulsive. ***1/2
Review by David Randall
Album review (The Lizards, 2015)
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Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
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