OCTOBER 2006 ALBUM OF THE MONTH
BALTIMOORE - X
BLP Music - Out Now
For
the third time in little over 12 months I am ecstatic to
welcome another new Baltimoore album. How many bands
can lay claim to have released 3 full studio albums of new
material in a 14 month period? Simply it makes a mockery of
the recording schedules of the likes of Def Leppard and Guns N
Roses. Any critics concern may be when you are doing this can
you maintain the quality? Well to put it simply, the trilogy
of “Fanatical” (Aug 2005), “Kaleidoscope” (April 2006) and now
“X” (October 29th 2006) are one of the most impressive
back to back recordings in rock history.
Anyone that checked out the band previous two releases will
have some idea of what to expect with the tenth Baltimoore
album “X”, but the band have added a few more colours to their
potent rock sound and in the process made an essential classic
rock album. Band personnel changes in Baltimoore were frequent
for the first chapter in the bands history yet found stability
with “Fanatical” and “Kaleidoscope”, we do however see one
change in personnel for “X” with former lead guitarist
Thomas Larsson replacing Stefan Bergstrom who has for all
intents and purposes left the music business. Long term fans
of Baltimoore will know Thomas Larsson’s classy lead work from
previous albums such as the melodic rock classic and
Baltimoore debut, “There’s No Danger On The Roof”, the return
to business “Original Sin”, re-recordings of older tracks on
“Best Of Baltimoore” and paying tribute to the bands
influences on “Ultimate Tribute”. Those unfamiliar with the
Baltimoore history may recognise the Larsson name from his
stint with Glenn Hughes in the early to mid 1990’s; and its
Larson’s presence which to some extent has thrown some new
colours into the palette.
The rest of the line up is consistent with the previous 2
releases being band leader and one of rock’s best and most
distinctive voices in Björn Lodin, rhythm guitarist
Mankan Sedenberg, drummer Hempo Hildén (Don Dokken,
John Norum, Glenn Hughes) and bassist Weine Johansson,
a smörgåsbord of Swedish Rock talent if you will. Once again
the recording took place at Björn Lodin’s home studio and as
with its two predecessor’s possesses the ultimate classic rock
production – 2 guitars, one panned left, one right and a
dynamite rhythm section. These songs need no flashy studio
trickery to make them sound good, rest assured the guitar
tones are of the highest vintage order with definition,
clarity and above all power. The rhythm section sounds
stunning and the overall sound will blow your socks off from
even the most modest home stereo. Crank the album through a
quality system or headphones and get ready to grin.
Musically the album is home to gritty rockers the band is
loved for. Opener “Cumgum” was born to open the album
with its upbeat positive vibe and huge riffs, pumping bass
line and rock solid drums. Lodin’s vocals are the best I have
heard them throughout the album, but even this gutsy
performance will blow your mind. The track possesses an
insanely addictive chorus which is guaranteed to put a smile
on your face whilst Larsson makes his presence known adding in
some fine fretwork all in keeping with the vibe of the track.
“Tables Turn” sees the rock fury continue with an
absolutely monstrous riff which reminded me a little of UFO in
their prime. Larsson’s fretwork adds more fire to the track
which is powered along by Mankan’s punchy riffing. Lodin again
throws in another superlative performance telling tales of war
and conflict in the present day from a number of perspectives,
“Hate the truth- power mongering break it down in the land
of god, dress up your victims die like pawns”. The guitar
solo here is one of the best on the album, rich tone, great
phrasing and building in its intensity from start to finish
whilst the track just keeps getting better thanks to a sublime
post solo bridge… simple awesome.
The tempo and intensity drops for the introspective “Life”
which is lyrically rich and musically near perfect. The track
begins with a simple guitar motif over which Lodin delivers a
truly soulful vocal. Anyone that has experienced any of life's
harder times will relate to this track but there is a message
of hope within yet all the while keeping an eye to the past
and learning from mistakes. Melodically things are perfect for
the insanely good pre-chorus and chorus, both of which have
melodic depth to them, again more melodies to get lodged in
your head. Larsson again adds lead lines adding more richness
to the track and this will surely go down as one of the bands
best tracks…. Truly epic.
“Asshole” offers up a hard rock release to the depth of
“Life” with its almost aggressive tones, Lodin sounds truly
pissed off here spitting out the lyrics with venomous glee –
another fine delivery.
“2 & 2” is an adventure in texture and layers for this
slightly jazzy sounding slice of 70’s rock restraint.
Fantastic guitar tones with Mankan holding down the chords
whilst Thomas throws down some lead lines that reminded me of
Eric Johnson (tonally and phrasing), great hi-hat and ride
cymbal work from Hempo sees the track swing – great
inflections. Here Lodin’s unique lyrics show the highly
personal skill he has in communicating feelings and emotions
in words; here the gaps are as important as the overall
lyrical message.
The mid tempo rifer of “Something Going On” sees more
guitar goodies and Lodin delivering a vocal that tells a tale
of self discovery, honesty and perseverance and also one of
hope. Another killer chorus is here with another great
delivery before Larsson’s lead here is amongst the best,
listen to the rock solid backing from Mankan, Weine and Hempo
here and just bow down.
“Fleeting As The Moment” is the albums fastest track
and is simply stunning from the intro of a wicked drum solo
combined with Larsson slide guitar and Sedenberg riffing
before some monstrous riff kicks in over which Lodin asks us
to consider the phrase, “She tells ya, its all about the
truth, what do you think?” . More superb vocal melodies
are here and another "to die for" chorus.
“Play On” is the closest track on the album to the
rifforama heard on the “Fanatical” album with its upbeat Bon
Scott era AC/DC style delivery, a simple riff that is more
about feel than musical statement, however, its not easy to
get something to sound so easy and effortless, in short it
grooves and the adage "less is more" is more than shown here.
Another great solo sees Larsson with a very Angus Young solo
after Lodin has howled like a dog. Contained within the track
is also the dynamite bridge which is as good a hook as I have
heard in my life.
The album then moves into classic Thin Lizzy waters for the
harmony guitar led “Make It Through” which is a nice
folk tinted shuffle with big guitar tones, and more Lodin
lyrical excellence. The harmonised solo section is also a
particular treat.
The album closes with the dark and moody “Sence” which
tells a dark lyrical tale and again the gaps Lodin leaves make
the lines he sings more potent adding a great mood. The guitar
work is also of the "less is more" attitude before Larsson
delivers one final solo goody. A nice way to end a superb
album.
Simply said “X” sees Baltimoore raise their quality control
standards even higher with “X” (if that was possible after
“Kaleidoscope”). This is classic rock done in a modern sense
but with an appreciative nod to the past. With its superb
guitar work from both players, a great rhythm section and
Lodin’s best vocals of his career (proving that his voice is
only getting better with time). This simply is the perfect
tonic for anyone that feels let down by the classic rock genre
of late and its invigorating to hear. Baltimoore are truly
refreshing in every sense and here’s to another studio album
in 2007.
To sum up “X” in one word, Essential.
http://www.baltimoore.net
(order the album)
Hot Spots : All Of It!
Rating : 100%
MAY 2006 ALBUM OF THE MONTH
BALTIMOORE - KALEIDOSCOPE
BLP Music - Out Now
Baltimoore,
the Swedish hard rock merchants are back with album number
eight in 'Kaleidoscope' and the follow up to last years
superb ‘Fanatical’. For the first time in Baltimoore
history band leader and vocalist Björn Lodin has kept
the same line-up as on the previous release and this has
really paid dividends in all departments. First of all the
production is slightly thicker than on ‘Fanatical’ with
‘Kaleidoscope’ having a darker vibe to it, that said I prefer
it. Any top bands chasing the ideal hard rock tone call Bjorn
Lodin! The guitar tones of Mankan Sedenberg and
Stefan Bergstrom have bite, detail and superb projection
and are even better than the tones on ‘Fanatical’. This tied
in with the rock solid rhythm section of bassist Weine
Johansson who approaches the instrument in the finest
tradition of the 60 and 70's greats such as Tom Bogert and
Jack Bruce alongside drummer Hempo Hilden (Don Dokken/John
Norum fame) who keeps the bottom end solid as a rock but with
deft touches is an integral part of the present day Baltimoore
sound.
Anyone
that heard the bands last album will instantly be able to get
in ‘Kaleidoscope’, but for you readers new to the band then
imagine a mix between the finest Bon Scott era AC/DC with more
musical sophistication and rip roaring vocal melodies that
will stick in your head for days. The guitar team of
Sedenberg and Bergstrom work superbly well playing off each
other reminiscent of the classic guitar tag teams such as
Perry / Whitford, Young / Young or Gorham/Robertson.
Thankfully never falling into the unimaginative “both
guitarists playing verbatim” syndrome so many twin guitar
line-ups do. This adds depth to the music and allows each part
to become more personalised with the listener.
Opener
‘To The Bone’ gives a good indicator of what to expect
with its big riffs, upbeat delivery and infectious hooks. ‘Journeyman’
is slightly heavier yet eases off for a glorious vocal
delivery from Lodin, working superbly over the sustained
chords, be sure to listen to also listen out for Hilden’s
superb drum work here, simple yet driving the track on all the
time. ‘Familiar Stranger’ is slower in tempo and also
darker in nature with a divine chorus which sees Lodin playing
vocal tennis with his lines. Stefan Bergström solo is superb
with bite, restraint and nice melodic lines mixed with great
vibrato. ‘Fix My Sin’ is an obvious single choice with
its upbeat delivery and huge chorus. Opening with a mix of
drum and bass laying down a groove before Lodin and the rest
of the band kick in working the verse before the stunning
pre-chorus sees vocal and guitar intertwine before the god
like chorus sees Lodin’s earthy vocals working with
Bergstrom’s slide work, probably the most accessible track on
the album and begging for radio play. ‘Wellaway’ is
another darker track yet is very original in its progressions
and Lodin again works his magic with the lyrics, and also
adding quite a lot of soul in the track. Not one of the most
accessible tracks on the album but repeated plays sees it
stand out as a highlight, and be sure to check out the
excellent video at the bands
website.
‘Take Me To The Power’ is a high tempo rocker where the
energy levels reach boiling point, another excellent
pre-chorus builds to the anthemic main chorus and in a few
ways the track has the same sort of feel, albeit slightly more
up-tempo, as the title track on Fanatical. ‘Plug And Play
Me’ is another totally infectious track that demands the
volume on your stereo be dimed, great verse, great bridge and
chorus coupled with superb guitar work from start to finish.
‘How Sick Is Ok’ (great title) sees the mood slow down
for a blues drenched track, guitar work is quite traditional
yet Lodin’s melodies give the track its own unique flavour.
Another great chorus coupled with that guitar tone…heaven. ‘Crybaby’
is one of the more commercial numbers on the album, and has an
approach that even modern skate punk fans could get into,
suitably the track contains some cool wah work from Bergstrom.
‘Timepiece’ with its rolling riff reminded me a little
of Zakk Wylde meets early Sabbath yet there is more variety
here vocally and musically than what Ozzy would come up with.
‘Miracle’ is what you would call the ballad of the
album and it’s a stunner, predominantly acoustic led which
really allows Lodin’s vocals to shine through the terrific
melodies and lyrics, if this where to make mainstream radio I
have no doubts the band would have a big hit on their hands.
‘In The Name Of Love’ begins with some finger picked
chord work (reminiscent of ‘Gimme Shelter’ by the Rolling
Stones) before the track kicks in, and it kicks in hard. The
track has a few different personalities as it progresses from
verse through to chorus which is another blinder and a nice
way to wrap up the album.
As you
may have gathered ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a killer release
that is as good as ‘Fanatical’ in most departments and better
in the remaining ones, simply said Hard Rock has a band here
that deserves your attention, deserves your money and deserves
to be more well known than the band currently are. This is an
essential slice of hard rock that simply isn’t being
done in this style anywhere else including the big guns. In
short, "addictive as hell".
Hot Spots: The whole darn
thing!
Rating: 99%
SEPTEMBER 2005 ALBUM OF THE MONTH
BALTIMOORE - FANATICAL
BLP Music - Out Now
Baltimoore
are back with their 7th studio album and its a killer!
Fanatical sees vocalist Bjorn Lodin delivering the best songs
of the bands career to date with the vibe being up-tempo and
full of the kind of hard rocking simplicity that has not been
done in this sort of style since AC/DC's Highway To Hell over
25 years ago!
Lodin's gritty earthy vocals carry each hook to magnificent
effect over the loud twin guitar work of Mankan Sedenberg and
Stefan Bergstrom who delivery such majestic riffs its
impossible not to crack huge smile. The guitar duo keep things
in the finest Young brothers tradition using counterpoints and
alternative voicings to make the music jump out the speakers.
This is further aided by a super powerful honest producton
that begs to be played loud.
The title track Fanatical opens the album and sets the tone
with its pure guitar tones, great vocal delivery and tight as
hell rhythm section of bassist Weine Johansson and drummer
Hempo Hilden. My Number 1 is next, reminiscent of AC/DC's Back
In Black only with a far stronger chorus (try getting this out
of your head for hours after) and a great guitar solo. Outer
Me gets a little heavier with more aggressive riff but again
has great vocal melody lines and delivery from all involved.
Next up is Give Me What You've Got, a track that has radio
play all over it and another chorus to die for. A Set Sight Of
Dreams sees a slightly psychedelic vibe enter thanks to the
wah pedal work but the albums trademark sound is still here in
abundance. The album continues along with the quality level
not faltering at all with even more brash riffs and infectious
hooks and choruses and a dirty blues vibe in places. My
favourite track comes in the guise of You Touch Me And I'm
Healing which has such a unique chorus that it deserves radio
play by the bucket load.
Its difficult to do my normal track by track analysis for
Fanatical as it really is such a strong collection of tracks
its difficult to single out individual moments. Fanatical has
the goods from start to finish to bring Baltimoore to a much
wider audience beyond their native European fan base and I can
quite easily state you will find no finer pure Hard Rock
record anywhere in 2005 - BUY NOW!!
Hot Spots : Fanatical, My Number 1, Give Me What You've
Got, You Touch Me & I'm Healing
Rating : 98%
BALTIMOORE - ULTIMATE TRIBUTE
BLP Music - Out Now
Baltimoore
are the Swedish hard rock band led by vocalist Bjorn Lodin, a
vocalist in the style of Robert Plant, Rod Stewart and Sammy
Hagar. Europe drummer Ian Haughland bashes the skins and
guitars are courtesy of Thomas Larsson with bass being covered
by Weine Johansson.
Ultimate Tribute is a collection of 12 tracks that are
obviously part of the bands early heros. Included are versions
of Kill The King by Rainbow, performed quite true to the
original. Sabbath's Never Say Die which kicks some serious ass
and a great cover of Jimi Hendrixs Freedom along with smoking
version of Thin Lizzy's 'The Rocker' and AC/DC's 'Riff Raff'.
There are also some not so obvious covers such as Deep
Purple's 'Love Child' and The Sweets 'Solid Gold Brass.
Ultimate Tribute is not
going to win any awards for originality, but it does show a
band obviously having fun and producing good versions of rock
classics with a particular eye for detail in regards to guitar
tones which are immense. And its this fun aspect which
translates across to the listener, A recommended covers album.
Rating -82%
