This week we review albums from Swamp Thing, Deep Purple, Chris Shiflett and The Dead Peasants.
4 stars (out of 5)
Grant Haua (vocals and guitar) and Michael Barker's (drums and key bass) description of their music as high-energy, soul-infused percussive rock with blues-tinged funk overtones pretty much nails it.
What's missing from that summary of the duo's music is the heat they generate as a unit, their apparent passion for tapping the best influences, and their mightily impressive chops.
With the exception of out-of-place reggae closer Come With Me, these tracks leap out of the speakers with a vigour that matches the band's reputation as a gripping live act.
A contender for top NZ album of 2013.
Single download: Genius
For those who like: Steppenwolf, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Black Keys
- Jeff Harford
3 stars (out of 5)
The validity of Deep Purple ploughing on with their 19th studio album might be debatable, but what can't be denied is their consummate musicality.
Still sporting three members from the most revered Mk11 line-up, it's Ian Gillan who is the most impressive.
At 67, his ability to scream like a banshee is darn impressive. With the untimely passing of founder Jon Lord, one of the ''new'' guys has also had his shackles removed.
Keyboard guru for hire Don Airey sets about giving Lord one hell of a send-off as the usually fleet-fingered Steve Morse plays catch-up.
It might be a bit more prog than rock, but Now What?! is sure to generate two thumbs up from die-hard fans.
Single download: Bodyline
For those who like: Genesis, Rush
- Mark Orton
3 stars (out of 5)
Lead guitarist for the Foo Fighters, Chris Shiflett has traded his distortion pedals for a cleaner, leaner approach here to better indulge a long-held interest in country music.
Following Peasant's self-titled debut in 2010, All Hat and No Cattle is a tribute to key players in the genre and features nine covers, including Buck Owens' King of Fools, Jim Ed Brown's Pop a Top and Merle Haggard's Skid Row, as well as one original.
Amid the steel guitar twang and old-school honky tonk vibe, Shiflett and company bring an energetic vibe that nicely straddles revelry and reverence.
Single download: Happy Part of Town
For those who like: Waylon Jennings
- Shane Gilchrist
