This is one of the most surprising albums I’ve heard in some time, and mainly because I’m not really a fan of the band. This changes all that with its dominating blues tinged rock.

The album opens in rampant classic rock style with Truth Or Consequences. It’s Elvis mixed with Rolling Stones, awesome drum and guitar work, and heavy helpings of melody. Downtown Paranoia Blues repeats the dose albeit without Mr Presley and heaps more of Jagger & Co. The blues starts to reveal itself in a song that could so easily find a repeat play slot in rock dance clubs around the country. By song three, Crying Out Loud (Tears Of Joy), the blues is well and truly embedded with a vibe that’s mournful and a pace that’s glacial. It’s a cracking track and the start of something special. Crooked Crown lifts the pace while introducing harmonica playing that dominates the song. Johnny Walker’s vocals are incredibly good throughout but his harmonica playing on this and other songs is a revelation. Crooked Crown is an example of where one moment his voice is supreme and when the singing stops his harmonica takes over vocal duties. Sweet And Easy sees his voice perform somersaults as it digs deep and then soars alongside some fabulous guitar riffs. Amongst several great tracks, this one is standout with its slow pace and immense soulful depth.

This is a truly wonderful album with diverse pace and some of the best blues rock I’ve heard in years. And I love it to death…

4.5/5