SHAKRA - review added 21st February 2011
Album Review: Back On Track (2011)
For fans of: Heavy Rock... and walking up the railroad
Swiss hard rockers Shakra last featured on these pages with their splendid 2009 album "Everest" - see review here. Since then the band has changed vocalists; a scary thought because they really were the full package. Good news though is that new singer John Prakesh is awesome, and arguably even better than previous front man Mark Fox.
The line-up for the band's 8th record is completed (as last time) by Thom Blunier and Thomas Muster on guitars, Dominik Pfister on bass, and Roger Tanner on drums. Thom also produced the record at his own Powerride Studio.
The sound is big, impressive hard rock that goes for a full wall-of-noise approach. Shakra's music is not apologetic or half-hearted. These guys kick ass all the way from the heavy rock songs to the ballads, and that's a good thing.
John Prakesh has a wonderful tone, great control and uses a nice variety of styles from loud 'n' proud down to soft 'n' gentle. The remainder of the musicianship is top end too. There are machine-gun drum beats, fancy guitar solos, and bass flourishes galore. It's measured (probably deliberately) rather than outlandish and incredible, but that's not to take anything away from the guys.
The album kicks off with the rampant 'B True B You', a surprisingly good, heavy, fast track. 'I’ll Be' is a decent enough song, but there is far better on the album. 'Crazy' is a contagious track with some naughty words in it, but it wouldn't be as passionate or good without them. The title track deserves it's place as the album's moniker. It really is a very good effort, again hugely contagious. 'When I See You' is possibly even better though. It's a rocking slow ballad with a huge vibe. 'MMTWGR' is cool too, boasting a chilled yet heavy sound that really draws you in.
'Yesterday’s Gone' is another rocking slow ballad that's up there with the album's best moments. 'Someday' offers broken rhythms and doesn't flow as well as the other tracks. I like it, but it's one of the weaker moments. 'Lonesomeness' is a meandering ballad, still with a rock-flavoured backbone, and it's very pleasant to the ears. 'Unspoken Truth' kicks off with a heavy riff, before heading off at a tangent. It's not dissimilar to 'Someday' in some ways, but it's about a hundred times better. 'Brand New Day' is a mid-tempo effort with some good ideas, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. 'Stronger Than Ever' has the album's biggest riffs, and it finishes the album in style.
In Summation:
Classy. That's the best way to describe "Back On Track". First class musicianship, great singing and well written songs. Okay, not every track is brilliant, but many are...and the album as a whole is superb. Great stuff.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. B True B You
02. I’ll Be
03. Crazy
04. Back On Track
05. When I See You
06. MMTWGR
07. Yesterday’s Gone
08. Someday
09. Lonesomeness
10. Unspoken Truth
11. Brand New Day
12. Stronger Than Ever
Label: AFM Records
Artist's website(s): Shakra | MySpace | Facebook
