Groundhogs - Dry Land
Blues rock legends Groundhogs have been busy working on a new album and have released the single 'Dry Land' as a tantalising taster of what's to come. Having been a huge influence over many years, Tony 'TS' McPhee and Groundhogs have suffered many setbacks over recent years, particularly with bassist Dave Anderson (formerly of Hawkwind & Amon Duul) having two heart attacks and front man, singer songwriter and legendary guitarist Tony McPhee having a stroke.
Despite all this, by the end of 2009, Tony had got together some songs that he had been working on over many years and enlisted producer Jack Endino to work on a new album. The album is waiting for the singing voice of McPhee to return but the single 'Dry Land' is out now with McPhee's 'pre-stroke' vocals.
The song is everything that the 'Hogs are about; deep, heavy blues, tight delivery and some very atmospheric guitar licks. McPhee's voice is as distinctive as it ever was (think 'Split', 'Thank Christ For The Bomb' etc) and his guitar playing is, as ever, masterful. Often understated, the sometimes strangled guitar tones reach out from the heavy rhythm and the changes of tone and tempo.
This is a fantastic song, put together by some very accomplished musicians and all under the very competent and watchful eye of the master himself, Tony 'TS' McPhee. Sounding as fresh and as timeless as so many 'Hogs songs, fans new and old, will want this in their collection; another to add to the soundtrack of your life.