DAVE BURN (LEE SMALL lead vocals) – Nothing Is As It Seems (2021) *HQ Exclusive*
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The name DAVE BURN might not be one you instantly recognise. But Paul Raymond fans will know him from the PRP (Paul Raymond Project). He was also lead guitarist for the late UFO legend on tour, and has his own band NOBODY’S FOOL.
But Burn needed to release another solo album to express other musical sides, and the result is “Nothing Is As It Seems” where he performs all instruments, joined by talented Lee Small (LIONHEART, SHY, PHENOMENA) on all vocals.
Co-produced & mastered by Jon Astley (The Who, George Harrison, Judas Priest, Rock Candy remasters) delivers 12 very well crafted classic hard rockers honed in the traditional sound of the genre, with classy vocals and interesting arrangements.
Well it’s pretty damn obvious that Dave Burns knows his way around a fretboard, but not in the over the top widdly widdly way. No overblown guitar wankery here, just a skillful delivery, with the superb vocals of Lee’s filling in the gaps, to deliver a rip roaring, foot tapping slab of hard rock.
The album does contain two instrumentals, the pacey ‘Hit The Ground Running’ and ‘Boat To Samarkand’, which is a wonderful six minute ending to a thoroughly enjoyable album.
Stand out tracks for me personaly are the previously mentioned ‘Boat To Samarkand’, and on the sung tracks ‘Into The Light‘, ‘ Labyrinth’, the groovy ‘Made of Stone’, and the crunchy ‘Kick You Upside Down, all songs which really showcases Lee’s vocals.
Well produced with a crisp output, if your tastes are a well rounded guitar focused hard rock album with that distinct British sound and a top vocalist, then “Nothing Is As It Seems” will be right up your street.
Highly Recommended
01 – Right of Passage
02 – Darkest Hour
03 – Into the Light
04 – Labyrinth
05 – Hit the Ground Running
06 – Before You Cry
07 – Made of Stone
08 – Passing Time
09 – Kick You Upside Down
10 – Always
11 – Understand
12 – Boat to Samarkand
Lee Small – vocals, keys, strings
Dave Burn – guitars, bass, drums, keys, strings
BUY
www.daveburn.net/
