GIN LADY – Call The Nation (2015)
Swedes GIN LADY formed four years ago and and already released two albums, but their new effort “Call The Nation” is my first listening experience with the quartet.
The retro cover artwork and the album’s name piqued my interest from the go, and it’s a case when the packaging reflects the music inside.
Seems all members of Gin Lady where previously part of progressive bands, and while some (very few) elements of this genre – but progressive in terms of Rock / Hard akin Deep Purple / Uriah Heep – do remain in “Call The Nation”, the band go for an even deeper dip into traditional Classic Rock territory on this album.
Hints of Bad Company, Mick Ronson, Humble Pie, Climax Blues Band, Ian Hunter and Faces are just as prominent, as much of the album has a groove laden ’70s swagger, catchy hooks, emotional vocals and rootsy rhythms that just pull you right in.
Songs such as the catchy opener “I Can’t Change”, the guitar driven “Heavy Burden”, and the title track bust right out of the gate with instantly memorable melodies, crisp instrumentation, and plenty of groove.
“Mexico Avenue” is more party-like, “Down Memory Lane” adds a bluesy touch – same with the sweet ballad “Country Landslide” (great one) while “Ain’t No Use” is the elaborated number on the album with very interesting Hammond B3 arrangements and a nice long guitar part in the middle.
Classic Rock fans will love “Call The Nation”, but also potential listeners of any other genre. Gin Lady not only compose really good songs, they also add some kind of ‘elegance’ in the way their music is served. I mean, all is extremely polished and melodic.
Magnus Kärnebro’s vocals are clean and pretty awesomely modulated, perfectly matching the tasty riffs / keyboards textures and the fine solos from guitarist Joakim Karlsson. All this is helped by the warm production, which is not retro at all, it’s modern yet not ‘brickwalled’. As said, all comes very melodic out of the speakers.
“Call The Nation” is distinguished Classic Rock showing Gin Lady’s influences, but the band has a distinctive sound, tasteful and instantly pleasurable.
Strongly Recommended.
01 – I Can’t Change
02 – Call the Nation
03 – Heavy Burden
04 – Mexico Avenue
05 – Ain’t No Use
06 – Down Memory Lane
07 – Country Landslide
08 – I’m Coming Home
Magnus Kärnebro: Vocals
Joakim Karlsson: Guitar and vocals
Anthon Johansson: Bass and vocals
Fredrik Normark: Drums
BUY IT !
www.amazon.de/Call-Nation-Gin-Lady/dp/B017753ISG
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