ALBANY DOWN – Born In The Ashes (2023)
British rockers ALBANY DOWN may have taken 7 years to get their new album ready, but we can assure you that well worth the wait. Such is the amount of time that’s elapsed, it begs the question, would ”Reborn In The Ashes” have been a more apt title for this 13-track LP? What has risen from the remnants is a huge rocking sound that’s both original and contemporary.
Born In The Ashes was recorded at the legendary Rockfield studios, where Queen recorded their immortal mini rock opera “Bohemian Rhapsody”. They’ve once again called on producer Greg Haver to deliver a kind of magic.
Opener “Always Want You Can’t Have” serves up quality bluesy rock from the off with a saw-toothed riff and heart filling chorus about those always craving ‘a bigger piece of the pie.’ It’s catchy without ever threatening to join the commercial scrap heap, helped by a thumping rhythm section and a slice of monstrous guitar work from singer and guitarist Paul Turley.
Just when you think the title track “Born In The Ashes” is arguably the heaviest on the album with a beast of a chorus and some glorious guitar licks (especially on the outro), it’s surpassed by the attitude and dynamism of “Darkest Day”.
“Same Damn Thing” has a vintage vibe with its uppercut horns and a groove to die for. If you’re stuck in a rut, this upbeat number will dance you away from the song’s theme of being wedged in a world of worry that doesn’t appear to have an off switch. “The Memory Of What Used To Be” is etched with the soothing, soulful pipes of Cat Wyn Southall. Turley’s guitar tone on the beautiful solo won’t fade from your headspace either.
Drummer Pete Hancock shines on the bluesy “Reflections” as he expertly punctuates Turley’s stop-start riffing and waves of Hendrix-esque distortion. It tinges with sadness, as it contemplates the paths in life we choose to pass us by.
The rock ‘n’ roll energy continues on “Don’t Look Back”, with Turley producing another cracking riff to match the high-octane backing. They do manage to squeeze in a heartfelt ballad with “This Heavy Soul”, but the change in pace doesn’t weigh heavily, with Turley’s emotive vocals matched by his weeping (yet sublime) guitar work.
Hancock’s crisp drumming sounds crystal clear on closer “Let Your Love Shine”, with bassist Ben Atkins again showing himself as the dream cohort. They lock down another rock solid rhythm, leaving Turley to spread positivity (both lyrically and through his guitar) on this meaty love song.
Albany Down are masters at nailing a heavy groove that’s catchy, but without being overly pedestrian. Their sound is extremely digestible, but still has nuances of classic acts like Hendrix and Led Zepp. Refreshing and rocking (for the most part), Albany Down have risen from the ashes — surely the only way is up.
Highly Recommended
01 – Always Want What You Can’t Have
02 – Good News
03 – Same Damn Thing
04 – The Memory Of What Used To Be
05 – Reflections
06 – Born In The Ashes
07 – Darkest Day
08 – Kingdom Of The Blind
09 – Don’t Look Back
10 – I’ll Come Running
11 – Your Days Are Numbered
12 – This Heavy Soul
13 – Let Your Love Shine
Paul Turley: Lead and backing vocals, guitars
Ben Atkins: Bass guitar, backing vocals
Pete Hancock: Drums, backing vocals
with:
Keys: Nick Nasmyth
Backing vocals: Cat Wyn Southall
Strings: Andrew Walters – The Vulcan Strings
Choir: This Heavy Soul crew
BUY
shop.albanydown.com/catalogs/cds/born-in-the-ashes-cd
