I suspect strongly that it was this album that convinced AC/DC to enlist The Answer as the band’s opening support for the forthcoming world tour. The Answer hail from Northern Ireland and, if there’s any justice in this generally unjust music marketplace, the boys could end up pulling big-time, worldwide.‘EVERYDAY DEMONS’ is the (much better) follow-up to debut album ‘RISE.’ Gone are any inhibitions and radio-friendship ambitions, replaced by what could be the best rock album of 2009. This is heavy rock with influences worn openly and proudly; with melody sitting comfortably alongside massive guitar riffs and some of the best rock vocals I’ve heard in  years. Incendiary opener ‘Demon Eyes’ lays open the veins of this album early and unambiguously. 

Distant lurking guitars introduce Cormac Neeson’s fabulous rock vocal before all hell lets loose as the band appears stage-front to knock you off your feet. Hell, this song is traditional rock at its very best; meat stew without the soup; with melody to make the ride a tad more comfortable. ‘Too Far Gone’ is next and takes on a blues flavour as it thunders along to meet the band’s first single off the album. ‘On And On’ deserves to break down those airplay barriers to great heavy rock tracks that by right should be heard by any music-loving audience. It has the lot: stunning melody, fabulous vocal, great riffs, body parts-moving rhythm and great production.

‘Cry Out’ is dominated by a threatening, slower-paced drum rhythm while lead and backing vocals play a more contemplative role. ‘Why’d You Change Your Mind?’ takes a similar contemplative route with bass guitar now taking a shadowy lead role as the song goes glacial in pace before repeatadly rushing for the tape. Of the great songs that pepper this album, this one is my pick (for now anyway).

Some years ago a buddy of mine introduced me to heavy rock and I’ve revelled in it ever since. For some time now the USA has led the way in heavy rock (certainly over the last ten years). With this album The Answer has the answer and I can’t wait to witness a live performance. Perfect!

5/5