CAROUSEL VERTIGO – Mighty (2013)

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There’s been some interesting things happening in the world of Classic Rock over the last couple of years with a batch of new bands coming to the fore carrying on the traditional rock & roll approach for the next generation whilst at the same time putting their own slant on things.
In addition to the likes of Rival Sons and The Answer, one such act are American / French act CAROUSEL VERTIGO and their truly good debut CD “Mighty”.

Carousel Vertigo is the brainchild of two individuals brought together by a love of guitars and classic rock sounds. Jansen Press and Vincent Martinez, both endorsed by Gibson Guitars, found themselves sharing a stage during a jam session at a music trade fair in Paris back in 2009 and the seeds were sown for what was to become Carousel Vertigo.
At a later fair in Birmingham the pair were spotted jamming again this time by a business partner of Rick Parfitt from Status Quo and the band subsequently supported Quo in 2010 and again in 2012.
After listening “Mighty” you can’t believe this is a debut record: Carousel Vertigo are masters in classic, bluesy infused hard rock drawing together elements of big names in the genre, with an extremely polished and melodious sound. With two virtuoso guitarists in the band the album could have turned into an ego massaging exercise, but the guys have resisted that temptation and have instead focused on writing solid rockin’ songs.

Opener “Mighty Good Woman” is a powerful introduction to this 10-track slice of classic rockers, their version of Leon Russell’s “Help Me Through the Day” offers a bluesier element, and Quo’s bassman John Rhino Edwards helped with the hot stomper “3rd Degree”, a real rocking number complete with some honky tonk piano for good measure.
There is a quality and polish to tracks such as “Long Highway”, “Last Call for Love” or “Dog For A Bone” and Martinez’ vocals are suitably earthy and passionate as, indeed, they are for most of the album, while lead single “I’m A Comin’ World” is a solid mid-paced rocker which showcases all the band’s different aspects and influences to good effect.
The standout track, however, is the magnificent and drunkenly sordid “I’m Your Man”, which very much not only mirrors the classic Aerosmith ballads but also invites you to the bar for a swig of a damn fine bourbon.

“Mighty” oozes melody and downright organic songwriting talent through these vital, dual Gibson lead guitar-driven songs, all delivered in an extremely polished way.
Carousel Vertigo combine the most thrilling elements of the seventies and early eighties and rework these influences to create stunning, classy and original rock n’ roll that grips the listener from the very first hearing.
This is a great debut album from the guys and one that hints at a good future ahead. One for any discerning Classic Rock lover.
Very Recommended.

01 – Mighty Good Woman
02 – I’m A Comin’ World
03 – Long Highway
04 – I’m Your Man
05 – 3rd Degree
06 – Dog For A Bone
07 – Help Me Through the Day
08 – Better Be Wanting Me
09 – Howl At the Moon
10 – Last Call for Love

Vincent Martinez – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Drums
Jansen Press – Guitars, Bass, Backing Vocals, Percussion
Jimmy Montout – Drums, Percussion
Jolynn Daniel – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals, Percussion
John Deaderick – Hammond B3, Piano
Julien Audigier – Drums on “Last Call For Love”
Thomas D’Arbigny – Backing Vocals on “Last Call For Love”

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