AFFLICTED BRIGADE - EP review added 11th May 2010
EP Review: Afflicted Brigade EP (self-titled) (2010)
For fans of: Heavy Rock... and covers of the Rev. Al Green
Chicago, Illinois, heavy rock outfit Afflicted Brigade - Mike Meadows on vocals, Randy Raatz on guitar, Mario Contreras on bass, and Michael Todd on drums - is a newly created band made up of a bunch of 'seasoned' musicians. This self-titled EP is the first fruit of their labour.
The sound is raw, no bullsh*t, honest and heavy. Take two parts Black Label Society, one part early Whitesnake, and one part local-bar-room-band and you'll have the idea. There's a definite Southern-States vibe to the music, and there's a strong feel of blues in there too. It's all rough and ready, but it probably wouldn't work if it wasn't.
There's nothing in the performances that stands out as awesome, and nothing that grates. It's hard to tell just how good these guys are from such a fleeting listen, but there's every chance they would slay with more challenging material.
Song-wise, the first and last tracks are written by the band. The middle cut 'Belle' was originally recorded by the Rev. Al Green. Strange choice for a hard rocking quartet, but it works well. It's hard to pick a best moment between the three tracks, although that Al Green effort maybe steals it.
Overall, this is a decent enough - if brief - introduction to Afflicted Brigade. They sound like they'll be good live, and I look forward to hearing a full length album someday soon...and then we'll be able to hear what they really can (or can't) do.
Check out... 'Belle'
Track List:
01. We The People
02. Belle
03. Let Me Go
Artist's website(s): MySpace
