Sunday 8 July 2012

ALBUM REVIEW: GUN - BREAK THE SILENCE


It’s possibly the greatest humiliation in rock that Gun (after all the great Glaswegian rock they produced) are still best known for covering a song by funksters Cameo. If being ‘Gallus’ and ‘Taking On The World’ mean anything, it means not settling for this. And true to their destiny, they are back with their first studio album in 15 years, fully charged with the desire to rewrite the rock history books. With the legendary Dave Eringa of Manics fame at the console, part of that blistering surge you hear on big, beefy opener 'Butcher Man' is the sound of all the stops being pulled out. Much of the album is laced with an intriguing mix of pop-punk and Americana (for instance 'Lost & Found' is The Byrds meets The Buzzcocks). With a good mix of punchy and wistful songs 'Break The Silence' is clearly an album constructed with heavy duty touring in mind!

Colin Liddell


Monday 2 July 2012

ALBUM REVIEW: ASIA - XXX


Thirty years after their classic self-titled debut ascended to the top of the U.S. charts the 'original' line-up of Asia are again 'riding the dragon's wings'. Firmly rooted in pop-rock territory, with infectious hook-lines, 'XXX' re-captures the dynamic energy of that first 'iconic' release. 'Face On The Bridge' with its catchy chorus, the haunting 'Bury Me In Willow', and the emotive 'Ghost Of A Chance' prove that the Wetton/Downes songwriting partnership is stronger than ever. 'Tomorrow The World' and 'Al Gatto Nero' have those clever lyrical turns that vocalist/bassist John Wetton is renowned for while guitarist Steve Howe makes his mark on 'Judas' and 'No Religion' both featuring neat musical interplay with keysman Geoff Downes and drummer Carl Palmer. Asia have delivered their best recorded work since '82 when 'the disco hotspots held no charm for you'!

Mark Crampton