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After being blown away by Terry Brock’s awesome solo album ‘Diamond Blue’ earlier in the year it was great to find out from the man himself that Strangeways would have a new album out later in the year with Terry on vocals. I have fond memories of the Brock incarnation of the band which produced two great albums in the late eighties in ‘Native Sons’ and my favourite ‘Walk In the Fire’. (Check out the debut too ‘Strangeways’ with original singer Tony Liddell).
For those unfamiliar with the band first time round Strangeways were masters of melodic rock. The band had great press back in the UK and really looked like they would be one of the bands to breakthrough in the US and actually get what they deserved. But when Terry left for the States to secretly audition for the Deep Purple job vacated by Ian Gillan he never came back: he went solo and Strangeways became a very different band.
So here we are back again with the core of the line-up that recorded the ‘Native Sons’ and ‘Walk in the Fire’ albums. I’ve been living with the album for a few days now and I’m impressed. The chemistry is still there and the melodies are enormous. It’s a very mature album with some beautiful songs and flawless vocals, all gloriously shot through with the golden strings of Ian Stewart’s guitar.
Without a bad song on the album it’s hard to criticise but for me the standouts are: ‘Time’ which just sees all the threads drawn together perfectly; ‘Movin’ on’ which has a wonderful groove and a huge shot of soul in Terry’s voice and is completely infectious. There’s also the understated ‘Can’t Let You Go’ where Ian’s guitar soars, again built on a solid groove laid down by Warren and Jim.
Musicianship is excellent throughout and the keys of David Moore make the sound wonderfully rich and deep. ‘Crackin’ Up Baby’ has a soft Country-meets Eagles aspect that works well. ‘Liberty’ explores the blues again brilliantly and ‘Bushfire’ threatens and glowers like flame with a haunting female background vocal and big sound reminiscent of House of Lords at their best. The song that closes the album ‘Say What You Want’ has an element of classic U2 to it.
There’s a big tour scheduled for the band on the cards and an appearance at Firefest 2010 to look forward to. I for one can’t wait.
The album is out mid October in the US and Europe. You really must grab a copy…
