SWAMPFREAKS - review added 13th April 2011
Album Review: www.com (2011)
For fans of: Classic Rock
I last encountered SwampFreaks early last year when I got my hands on their debut self-titled EP. The six songs from that are all featured here, making this more of a new EP with the old one included for free...rather than a standalone album. Obviously, though, if you haven't come across the first release this one makes perfect sense.
To be honest not much has changed from first time round. Mac (ex-Threshold) on vocals sounds great, if a little less outrageous than he can be. The music is intentionally rough around the edges and boasts bags of character. The grunge-laden classic southern rock sound has a super-strong identity and makes the Freaks sound not that similar to anyone else.
Will people dig what they do? Yeah, I think so. This is un-complex but deeply interesting music that recollects lazy summer nights and excess consumption of alcohol. Music that paints images in the mind is not to be sniffed at. Best of the new tracks are arguably 'Plastic' and 'Come Undone', but oldy 'Monkey In Yer Bed' takes the biscuit for best in show.
In Summation:
This is a likeable release with plenty of return-play potential. It's not quite an all-time classic, but these guys will deserve any fans this album generates. People who buy it won't be disappointed.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Gator
02. Plastic
03. Strange Brew
04. Monkey In Yer Bed
05. Broken
06. If The Light
07. Crumble Pie
08. The Grunge
09. Come Undone
10. Tiny People
11. Fell To Ground
12. Bad Thing
13. Follow Me
Band/Performers:
Andrew "Mac" McDermott on vocals
Dave Hills on guitar
Gav Gray on bass
Chris Fish on drums
Other Info:
All songs written by Hills/McDermott
Recorded at SwampFreaks studio
Engineered and mixed by Hills/McDermott
Mastered at SwampFreaks studio by Dave Hills
Artist's website(s): Swamp Freaks | MySpace | Facebook
