STRANGE KARMA – Devil From The Moon (2014)

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Led by brothers Martin and Paul Strange (who supply vocals and guitar, respectively), Aussie band STRANGE KARMA immediately created a buzz with the self-released 2011 debut Vol. 1 which received countless accolades in the underground scene. Later in the year Strange Karma undertook a lightning strike tour of America, travelling from L.A. to New York and back again playing showcases to promote the album.
At their Philadelphia show Grammy-nominated producer David Ivory (Halestorm, The Roots) was blown away by the band and also by some of the songs yet to make it to an album.
So while recording the new album with Ivory, they decided to remix & re-record some parts of Vol.1 plus one new song and are re-releasing the whole thing on CD now professionally silver pressed entitled “Devil From The Moon”.

The Sydney-based band is one of a host of new bands that takes its cues from the classic late ‘70s Hard Rock sound, but unlike a lot of their peers, Strange Karma has the kind of heart, soul and creativity to make that retro style credible, adding as well to their music an ’80s / 90s touches akin Badlands, Kingdom Come and alike.
The groovy, energetic and melodic “Devil From The Moon” (new song) opens the record showing the hand of David Ivory behind the production desk. Everything sounds crisp with each instrument receiving the appropriate separation obtaining a great vibe.

Next, as soon as the hard rocker “America” kicks in, you can be forgiven for thinking ‘Led Zeppelin knockoff’. It is a very Zeppelin-sounding song, and a good one at that. “Down and Out” is something Queen could have written, and the spacey “Time” is like a glorious Queen/T-Rex mashup.
The band has this great combination of bluesy guitars, wailing vocals and lush piano that’s just irresistible, taking the listener from gritty barroom rock to flamboyant glam to an almost psychedelic sound, often in the space of a single song (check out “Fame”).
“Storm” is driven by a heavy riff, followed by the faster “Harder Than A Stone” (with some Deep Purple on it), but then the acoustic and trippy “Uneasy” provides a melodic breath.

“Young And Free” is one of those tracks that made this band quite unique. It’s pretty epic combining real piano , strings, guitar and emotional vocals into a captivating blend. It’s not a ballad, at least, not in your typical way. Somehow reminds me Cinderella but also Badlands, and strangely, House Of Lords. It’s a great composition and a highlight on the album.
The disc ends with the dynamic “Mind Games”, a vintage hard rocker with jamming riffs galore (highly melodic), and another of my favorites; “Indian Sun”. Through its 7.30 minutes combines heavy riffs, orchestrations, raspy vocals, and very long solos.

There are a lot of bands that have gained attention by aping Led Zeppelin and other giant dinosaurs, but it often comes across as gimmicky and contrived. You never get that feel from Strange Karma.
Yes, you’re going to think about those bands when listening to this CD, but in a good way. The band takes an unusual approach to the classic rock sound, and they make it seem completely natural.
It’s rare that a modern band so successfully channels the classic ‘70s hard rock sound. Strange Karma does it brilliantly and without sounding like a nostalgia act, even more, adding to a personal touch.
Quite Recommended.

01 – Devil From The Moon
02 – America
03 – Down And Out
04 – Time
05 – Fame
06 – Storm
07 – Harder Than A Stone
08 – Uneasy
09 – Young And Free
10 – Mind Games
11 – Indian Sun

Martin Strange – vocals, guitar, piano
Paul Strange – lead guitar, vocals
Doe Prijono – bass
Jason McDonald – drums

BUY IT !
strangekarma.net/
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