ANTHONY GOMES (feat Billy Sheehan) – High Voltage Blues (2022)
While his music was already featured here previously, perhaps the name ANTHONY GOMES my be new for you. Well, with his new album “High Voltage Blues” that’s about to change for many, as this impressive album from the Canadian blues/rock guitar hero will raise eyebrows for sure.
The record features Gomes working out on a mix of new and old material. The real supercharger of the set, however, is the rhythm section of drummer Ray Luzier (Korn) and bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Winery Dogs) throwing their considerable strengths behind five of the tracks. They provide a muscular foundation that drives Gomes deeper into his rock side than ever before.
Don’t be fooled by the album’s title – well, in part at least – this is blues-based but ‘High Voltage’ hard rock with a punchy delivery that hits hard in your senses. Think Winery Dogs, Marco Mendoza, even The Dead Daisies.
A kick ass record from beginning to end.
Gomes re-recorded many of his fan’s favorites for the album – but very much edgier ‘n heavy than the originals, as well as three fresh, new songs. It’s a perfect mix of tunes that add up to an especially impressive listening experience.
“We had a lot of fun rocking these songs up,” Gomes said. “As an artist, it was great to circle back to some of my past work and look at it from a different perspective. Billy and Ray really pushed the way I play guitar, and they added a whole new element with a little insanity. That’s High Voltage Blues in a nutshell.”
Gomes opens the CD with gusto, launching it with “Painted Horse.” It’s an absolute banger that introduces us to the sound of the Gomes / Sheehan / Luzier triangle. It’s an edgy cut with a big beat, a chant-able vocal hook, and electrified playing on all instruments. Gomes puts down some of the most aggressive and passionate guitar work of his career on it, showing us right away where he intends to take the music he loves.
“Fur Covered Handcuffs” is an homage to titans ZZ Top and their humor and often-unique lyrical perspective. It’s a song about its titular object and a couple using them to keep things spicy at home. Gomes’ vocals are extra-strong here and the hard pocket behind him adds to their impact. His guitar also does its share of talking, blasting us with notes and tones that are guaranteed to put you in a Texas state of mind.
Gomes, Sheehan, and Luzier turn “Peace, Love, and Loud Guitars” into a stadium-worthy rocker that finds Anthony burning brightly. He pulls off one high-velocity lick after another while fronting a band with so much horsepower that it should be licensed as a motor vehicle. The song is already one of Gomes’ most popular numbers and his fans are going to flip for this new version all over again.
“Hell And Half Of Georgia” invokes the soulfulness of Southern Rock and shows off Gomes’ vocal chops. It’s a cool gear shift from the heavier material that precedes it and is catchy enough to be a single.
Other highlights on the record include “I Believe,” “Red Handed Blues,” and “Blues Child.”
Anthony Gomes sounds like he’s determined to claim a slot in the top tier of the blues/rock world and ”High Voltage Blues” should do the trick for him. It’s an outstanding effort that vibes like he’s just getting started. HIGHLY Recommended
01. Painted Horse
02. Fur Covered Handcuffs
03. Blues-a-fied
04. Born to Ride
05. Peace, Love and Loud Guitars
06. I Believe
07. Red Handed Blues
08. Turn It Up!
09. Blues in the First Degree
10. Hell and Half of Georgia
11. Darkest Before the Dawn
12. Blueschild
13. White Trash Princess (Bonus Track)
14. Rebel Highway (Bonus Track)
15. Darkest Before the Dawn (Extended Version)
Anthony Gomes – vocals, guitars, bass, keys
Billy Sheehan – bass guitar
Ray Luzier – drums
Bekka Bramlett & Wendy Moten – guest vocals
BUY
www.amazon.com/High-Voltage-Blues-Anthony-Gomes/dp/B0B8F9QZX4
