Band of Spice - How we Play the Game
For me, the first 4 Spiritual Beggars albums will always be the best, primarily because of the great charismatic voice of Christian "Spice" Sjöstrand.
The band's 5th album follows seamlessly from the 2021 album "In the Corner of Tomorrow".
Not as experimental as its predecessor, but a lot heavier. At times the album is reminiscent of Sjöstrand's other band Kayser on songs like "Demonized" and "Offside". 'Spice' and his comrades-in-arms Alexander Sekulovski (bass) and Bob Ruben (drums) manage the balancing act between bone-dry stoner (Gone Insane), doomy sounds (Below The Sun / Descending) and Thrash-riffing (Control). But what makes this album special is Spice's smoky, raspy voice. A real good and honest heavy rock album through and through, from a band that deserves a lot more attention!
Released via Scarlet Records 2022
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White Lightning - Thunderbolts of Fuzz
Fans of the Brown Acid compilation series by Riding Easy Records will have their ears ringing at the name White Lightning, because they were already represented on parts 9 and 12.
Named after some sort of LSD and formed as a trio in 1968 and with just one 45rpm single (Of Paupers And Poets) the band became a quintet in 1969. 6 of the 10 tracks on Thunderbolts of Fuzz were released on their 1970 self-titled album.
Blazing melodic fuzz-drenched riffing in best Led Zep manner with twin guitars and psychedelic parts reminiscent of early Doors and the Who to southern rock ballads, this album offers something for every 70s heavy psych fan and shows once again Riding Easy Records has a feeling for "lost" bands that need to be presented to a wider audience!
Released via Riding Easy Records 2022
-Helge Neumann