VOODOO HIGHWAY – Showdown (2013)
*
Italians VOODOO HIGHWAY debut album ‘Broken Uncle’s Inn’ was one of the pleasant surprises in 2011, mixing with style the classic late seventies / eighties sounds with a modern approach.
With their new release “Showdown” the group is aiming for some bigger things, as at first sight looking the album cover designed by the iconic Storm Thorgerson (Floyd, Zep, Sabbath and many more) there’s definite self-belief by the band and their label.
Taking Classic Hard Rock as a jumping off point, things start in a burst of energy with a couple of out and out rockers: the statement of balls-out intent that is “This is Rock ‘N Roll, Wankers!” and the more subdued but equally impressive “Fly to the Rising Sun”. The message of the Italian quintet is clear; rock your socks off with nasty riffs and an ’80s vibe.
It’s a great start and this is immediately backed up by the very catchy melodic hard rocker “Midnight Hour”, a more commercial and modern track pumped by a huge bass line and some impressive keys. A highlight.
“Church Of Clay”, “Cold White Love” and “Prince Of Moonlight” are all three excellent samples of pure hard rock with a kick ass feel, great arrangements, powerful performances and inspired guitar work.
Allessandro Duo’s work here is absolutely a tribute to the late Jon Lord, there’s an anchored rhythm section and singer Federico DiMarco is blessed with a midtone range that has the right sharpness for this kind of music.
Voodoo Highway has done a really giant step forward with “Showdown”. The sound is fat and tighter, the musicianship is once again excellent and the album includes some amazingly catchy written rockers.
Where other bands in this genre quickly take the path of musical clichés, Voodoo Highway distinguishes themselves with some nice surprises in the intros and outros (seagulls and other birds, cars, spoken words, etc.). Further they’ve created some intelligent arrangements here and there and the level of musicianship is top notch.
Produced & mixed by Italian team Dysfunction Productions, the sound obtained is bright and clear whilst keeping a certain depth of rawness amongst the tracks, bringing out the strengths of Voodoo Highway.
Which are many, believe me.
Strongly Recommended.
01 – This Is Rock ‘N’ Roll, Wankers!
02 – Fly To The Rising Sun
03 – Midnight Hour
04 – Could You Love Me
05 – Wastin’ Miles
06 – Church Of Clay
07 – Mountain High
08 – Cold With Love
09 – A Spark From The Secret Fire
10 – Prince Of Moonlight
11 – Till It Bleeds (bonus track)
12 – Broken Uncle’s Inn (bonus track)
Federico DiMarco – Vocals
Matteo Bizzarri – Guitars & guitars smashing
Aleassandro Duo – Keyboards
Filippo Cavallini – Bass
Vinccent Zairo Drums
Pre-Order:
www.propermusic.com/product-details/Voodoo-Highway-Showdown-152237
