Hallelujah, Classic Rock Returns
Hallelujah, Classic Rock Returns
Northern Irish outfit The Answer embrace flagrant classic rock styling to produce a squealing guitar-athon of an album. From the very first track 'Under The Sky' your fingers are twitching for an air guitar and soon you'll be finding yourself sporting a bandana and rocking out like Led Zeppelin are still at the top of the charts.
There are throbbing riffs and wailing vocals, 'Never Too Late' uses these to transform into a funky chorus that The Darkness would die to produce because it's got enough charisma to sink even most dynamic band, and that's before the 300 mph romping guitar solo. It's not just your dad who will appreciate the retro energy though, anyone with a love of rock will be instantly carried away to an enlightening place, when the smashing 'Come Follow Me' implores you to be led, you just won't be able to resist.
'Be What You Want' backs down a little, forming a mellow but equally compelling melody with some stirring, emphatic chanting. 'Memphis Water' is a raw blues number that sways and squelches through American 70's rock while kicking those 'gators to the rocks. 'Into The Gutter' kicks off with picked arpeggios so Led Zeppelin that you can imagine Jimmy Page swinging into action. 'Preachin' is an ironic title as the deep vocals have the sincerity of a Messiah, however the religion The Answer follow is one of pure rock n'roll.
Of course, the other edge of the sword for these classic rock warriors is that their tunes are so steeped in the style of bands like Free, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC that any originality is left by the wayside. But who needs originality when you have ripping guitar solos, bruising riffs and growling vocals? The Answer will sway and strut their way to the top with live dates this summer supporting The Who and Whitesnake, and I doubt anyone will stand in their way.