NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"STONEFIELD" 2013 C'MON - This debut album by the female Australian Rock quartet opens with a sassy bluesy style Progressive Rock sound.  It is a blistering opener with powerful vocals and crashing guitars and drums reminiscent of the late 60s, early 70s vibe. LOVE YOU DESERVE - This track has a distinct Classic Rock vibe with a hint of Glam Rock.  Another superb track that is akin to an accomplished band of many years but for this young band its incredible.   PUT YOUR CURSE ON ME - This Led Zeppelin style track packs a punch with some awesome guitars.  Another gem.   OVER AND OVER - A cool, lid back, sleazy backing gives an almost Blues edge to this Classic Rock track.  A favourite of mine. TO THE MOUNTAINS - The first track that has a Pop Rock style and its another slice of mature Rock by the girls.  Its a radio friendly track in the vein of Pat Benatar.  Class. DIGGIN' MY WAY OUT - A genre mix of Goth, Progressive and Psychedelic Rock.  Pounding drums, eerie

"BOSSA510" 2015    BOSSA510 - The debut album from John Vargas' all star multi-talented ensemble kicks off with a funky bass and guitar intro which moves into Jazz Funk seamlessly incorporating some 90s style Hip Hop.  David Vargas (known as D-Varg and John's son) provides the cool, summery rapping while R n' b star Jamillions provides some chilled vocals.  It would almost be the perfect Pop song but the twist of Randy Merril's flugelhorn makes it just that little bit more unique.   COME WITH ME - A delightful Latin Jazz style track that again infuses Rap and the Bossa style.  A lot slower pace than the previous track with some beautiful Soul vocals from Nikki Rey fronting a lisght, laid back backing.  D-Varg again provides the Rap sections while Nikki harmonises in support.  A really nice chilled song.  Actually reminds me a little of LL Cool J tracks from the late 80s.   OCEAN BREEZE - Feeling like you are chilling out on a beach taking in the cool breeze

 "STEEL BLOSSOMS" 2019   YOU'RE THE REASON I DRINK - Sara Zebley and Hayley Prosser are Steel Blossoms bringing the Country back with their self titled album.  The opening track is a jaunty, happy number that belies its pretty harsh lyrics about becoming an alcoholic thanks to a lover! These ladies kick it hard Country style but they aren't afraid of provocative lyrics.  Great opening track of classic old style Country.   REVENGE - Such a beautiful track,  almost a 60s style Progressive Rock track. There is an element of Gothic imagery with the melancholic, moody stance.  The vocals are exquisite with such emotion and its a diverse change from the opening track.  Very cool.   TRAILER NEIGHBOR - This track takes us back to Country and a quirky, humorous description of the gossiping trailer neighbour.  Its funny and a bright song with a sweet chorus and great melodies. COUNTY LINE - Another slower tempo track, and another gorgeously sung song.  It has an almost Blue

"SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR"   1983   SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR - The opening track of a great debut album of six epic tracks.  This Rock experiment filled song begins gently and then gives us a whimsical almost Nursery Rhyme style backing before launching into dramatic guitars and pounding drumbeat increasing in intensity and power.  Named Neo-Progressive Rock, Marillion's style of  music has elements of all genres of Rock music and this track ticks all boxes! HE KNOWS YOU KNOW - A slow almost Pop Rock track changes after some angry, anguished vocals from lead singer Fish before the 2 and a half minute mark when the glorious anthemic guitar solos and faster drumbeats kick in.  The Medieval style vocals and chants are here that make it just a little more awesome.     THE WEB -  A slow to mid tempo Rock ballad, with some awesome keyboard and guitar solos.  More Electronic Rock than the previous two tracks but no less anthemic.  A v

 "RUSH" 1974 FINDING MY WAY - The band's debut album consists of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and John Rutsey (soon to leave the band after this album and replaced on drums by the more familiar Neil Peart).  This opening track is atorming intro with a Led Zeppelin style, screeching vocals, searing guitar solos and pulsating drums.  Wake up, Rush are here!The first single from the set failed to chart in the UK. NEED SOME LOVE -  This track is a straight up rocker, with elements of Rock 'n Roll and deep lazy Blues.  More catchy than most Rush songs and has that "radio-friendly" appeal.  It also has a slight Punk vibe. TAKE A FRIEND - Another catchy track with more Classic Rock leanings and heavy sounding Pop.  I love the ZZ Top style bluesy guitars here.   HERE AGAIN - An emotional, powerful slow Blues Rock track until about halfway then the guitars get heavier and it ends with a crescendo of Blues, Classic and Progressive Rock. WHAT YOU'RE DOING - Another