Reviews roundup – Robin Trower vs. Myles Manley vs. New Babylon vs. Jess & The Bandits vs. Theo
ROBIN TROWER
Something’s About To Change
Manhaton
Well despite the ever so amusing title, I’m delighted to report that nothing has changed in the world of Robin Trower. He may have just become a septuagenarian, but on “Something’s About To Change”, it’s as though no time had passed since his heyday in the seventies.
For sure, no-one could replace the late, great Jimmy Dewar, but Trower is a decent enough vocalist, but it’s all about the guitar work, and as he works through a set of slow and mid-tempo blues rock tunes, it’s the fluid lines and sparkling solos that keep you captivated.
He’s put together a good band as well, so props to drummer Chris Taggart and organist Luke Smith who do exactly what’s needed. Mr Trower is in show off form as for the first time, he’s taken on bass duties as well. He’s been on a fine run of form over the last few years and songs like ‘Dreams That Shone Like Diamonds’, ‘Strange Love’ and ‘The One Saving Grace’ would fit happily on any RT best of.
MYLES MANLEY
More Songs
Trout Records
A follow up to the no hits included “Greatest Hits”, this sees UK born, Irish based singer songwriter Myles Manley continuing on his own strange way.
I say strange but he only ever seems to be one note away from conjuring up a song that could easily fit into what passes for the charts these days. He’s ostensibly anti-folk, but songs like ‘Pay Me What I’m Worth’ have a pop sensibility that could easily cross over into the wider main.
It’s possible that his skewed outlook on life won’t be to everyone’s taste, but there is a lot to enjoy on this six track mini album.
http://mylesmanley.bandcamp.com/
NEW BABYLON
My New Baby
independent
I thought you were meant to get more sensible as you got older, but my dotage seems to be sending me back to my teenage years when the world was ruled by sleaze rockers and glam metal.
Which is probably why I enjoyed this scuzzy EP so much. This Italian outfit have been on the go since 2006, and when I tell you they’ve opened for the likes of Crashdiet, Faster Pussycat and Enuff Z’Nuff then you’ll know exactly where they’re coming from.
As they rampage through tracks like ‘Can’t Stop’ and the title track, I can only picture myself wasted on snakebite in the Tap O’Lauriston with Feathers the barmaid slapping my new tattoo, and a life of excitement still to come. You bastards.
JESS & THE BANDITS
You Can’t Stop Me
AMG
The Jess here is Jessica Clemmons, one time American Idol contestant, about whom I’ve uttered kind words in the past for country tuneage.
Strange to relate, she met the Bandits to be, whilst on tour with doo wop throwbacks The Overtones. Jess and theboys bonded over their love of country music, and this is the first single from a forthcoming album.
And it’s an excellent slice of modern country, straddling the worlds of trad and pop, without losing sight of its roots. They’ve already played the Country 2 Country show at London’s o2 arena, as well as The Isle of Wight Festival and a support with Pete Molinari, and if the album is as good as this, we’ll be hearing much more of them.
THEO
The Game Of Ouroboros
Big O Records
Finally for today, it’s time for some melodic progressive rock, courtesy of keyboard player Jim Alfredson. Turns out he honed his Hammond skills playing in blues and jazz bands, but has decided to turn his skills in a new direction. I actually recognised his name from his time with Janiva Magness, so fair play to him for trying something different.
I’m glad to report that it’s a concept album, all about a futuristic, dictatorial world government. Although, quite how that’s futuristic is beyond me. As you would expect, it’s heavily keyboard oriented, although there are some guitar flourishes, including a guest spot from Greg Nagy.
Mr Alfredson takes his influences from the seventies big guns like Floyd, Yes and Genesis, although at times, it seems as though it’s trying to pull him back to Brand X. There are some good songs on offer, though, especially on the opening title track and the closing ‘Exile”.
In between there are a lot of ambient, Floyd like moments, and if you miss those seventies sounds, give this a spin.
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
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