5つ星のうち4.0The Answer owns it own place in the rockworld, no copycats
2009年3月11日に英国でレビュー済み
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I was awaiting this sophomore album eagerly, read about it before its official release and was not disappointed, on the contrary. The comparisons with bands like Led Zeppelin, Free and Black Crowes (i.e. Classic Rock), elsewhere even Cry of Love (I presume their "Brother" album), are endless but to my opinion needless and not correct. The Answer stands out on its own, not by being an cover- and/or tributeband. Maybe they are somewhat flattered by being taken as one of those "supergroups" but this band is slightly different. They specialize in hard driven rocksongs with amazing guitarwork and strong vocals, which sets them apart from the forementioned bands, who had a far wider musical view. Despite the fact that the songs truly are strong, not to say great, monotony sets in because they all are up- or midtempo songs. In that they do even repeat the first album "Rise", which makes a flying start with 3 fast tempo songs to take a little gas back on the fourth song. That is also the case with this second album. Likewise this album, albeit strong, lacks the use of acoustic guitars. Only on the last song "Evil Man" is some mouthharp added, to good effect tough, but this band can more than they show. Listen for instance on "Rise II" to "Into the Gutter", the acoustic version and also "Take it Easy" (not very dissimilar of Led Zep's "Black Country Woman", but surely not a rippof), great tracks! With the use of only an acoustic guitar or two The Answer gives their songs a much needed breath of fresh air. So this album would have been better with the addiction of a couple or replacement of a few songs in an alternate mode. Strangely the quite strong "Highwater or Hell" is omitted, but therefore doesn't make the difference because this one is also in the same vein, like for instance "Immigrant Song" or "Black Dog" and doesn't add anything in what I try to push, the quiter side of the songmaterial. But it seems that this is the chosen direction, because the same goes for the singles and/or outtakes from the "Rise" sessions, which are compiled on "Rise II", with the exception of both mentioned acoustic works all the songs are solid rock, with great speed and formula. The quality of those songs saves the band, the members are certainly outstanding songwriters and performers (I've seen them live in Amsterdam at the end of 2007) but just a little varity doesn't do harm. Still, I love this album from beginning to the end and can recommend this to anyone who likes good and honest hard rock.
this is a fantastic album,this group exudes 70's stadium rock in spades,the are easily the best band from the british isles in decades,the music can of course be compared to zeppelin/free,bad co with touches of lizzy and quo,for more modern fans the black crowes/cry of love are worthy comparisons.You would however be missing the point if you label the band as copyists they are far more than that ,they are the real deal a genuine rock band in a era of posers and manufactured groups,this is a real sweating ,hard workin,rockin band and should be loved and cherished,the new studio disc is fabulous each track exudes class and a show aband that knows its good,i wont bother with track by track analysis just enjoy the progression from first albun 'rise',the dogs bollocks however is the live disc - essentially the first album live and the step up in class/performance can be heard quite clearly,the band rocks from start to finish,the progress these boys are making is frightening,as ac/dc once said its a long way to the top.... this band is almost there,buy enjoy and bask in the knowledge that your part of this bands RISE to the very top.