Foghat were one of the biggest rock bands in the USA in the 1970’s, yet sadly were nowhere near as well known in their native UK/Europe. Led by the guitar and vocals of ‘Lonesome’ Dave Peverell, and lead guitar sting of Rod ‘The Bottle’ Price, backed up by the powerhouse drumming of Roger Earl and a variety of bassists (with Tony Stevens as the most famous), the 1970’s saw a string of absolutely scorching inspired rock and timeless classics in ‘Energized’, ‘Fool For The City’ and ‘Rock n Roll Outlaws’. US audiences lapped it up in their hundreds of thousands and the band became an iconic figure of the 70’s rock scene. Sadly with the onset of changing new musical trends in the 1980’s the bands brand of trademark boogie rock sales dwindle and the band ultimately ceased to be.

The 1990’s saw the classic line-up reunite only for Price to quit shortly afterward replaced by Dave's very close friend, Bryan Bassett (ex Blackfoot) joining the band for what would become Foghat’s last tour with ‘Lonesome Dave’ at the helm. Tragically ‘Lonesome Dave’ succumbed to cancer on February 7th 2000, a death which was in this scribes eyes severely overlooked by the modern day music press. Rod Price also sadly died on March 22nd 2005 from a heart attack brought on by complications from a head injury sustained from falling down stairs in his home (for the full band history check out http://www.foghat.net )

2003 saw the classic rhythm duo of Roger Earl and Tony Stevens decide to continue the band (as much in honour of Lonesome Dave who told Roger to carry the band on shortly before his death proclaiming its 'about the music’). Bryan Bassett by now a firmly entrenched member remained on lead guitar duties from the bands final tour with Lonesome Dave and in came ex Ted Nugent/Victory vocalist Charlie Huhn on lead vocals and guitar.

‘Family Joules’ is the first and to date only new studio album from the new line-up; and for anyone that has an appreciation for the classic Foghat sound will find it here in spades - as well as the addition of some new tones.

The band as a quartet deliver a huge sound right from the off with ‘Mumbo Jumbo’ delivering a trademark slice of Foghat boogie and humour that any fan of classic rock will enjoy and it has already become a live favourite. ‘Hero To Zero’ is next powered by a nimble bass line and emotive chords. The track is relatively mid tempo with a very dynamic chorus and lyrically based around a musician that goes from rags to riches to rags again, but it’s the inspired guitar work of Bryan Bassett that really makes this track a gem - superb singing lead lines that mimic the sad story of the Huhn’s vocals, a simply beautiful track. ‘Thames Delta Blues’ opens with a swampy blues guitar licks before  Earl and Stevens rev the track into life before a truly infectious slide guitar riff is peeled off by Bassett. Lyrically the track is a tribute to ‘Lonesome Dave’ -  once again another track that would stand up with the best of 70’s Foghat. ‘Flat Busted (and out of gas)’ is a quirkier number which although not as immediate as its predecessors after a few listens turns out to be a very cool customer with a strong chorus. ‘I Feel Fine’ is a smokey blues shuffle with some great guitar tones and a very strong vocal from Huhn and a great slide solo from Bassett. Roger Earl and Tony Stevens manage to keep the rhythm loose yet tight at the same time, which adds to the track further. ‘I’m A Rock ‘N Roller’ is back to up-tempo blues rock with a simple yet effective riff and its another winner which sees that trademark 70’s sound and updates it nicely for 21st century. The track takes a nice breakdown which sees the rhythm section grooving once again before the track builds in fine style to a another scorching slide solo from Bassett. ‘Hit The Ground Running’ has a Texas blues vibe about it and fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan will find this a very nice slice of deep south blues. ‘Looking For You’ begins with a bouncing Tony Stevens bass riff which is then augmented by guitars and drums. Charlie Huhn’s smokey vocals are great here whilst Bassett delivers another par-excellence slide solo (you can see why Lonesome Dave saw him as the ideal replacement for Rod Price). ‘Long Time Coming’ is the heaviest number on the album and is a barnstorming success, cracking riff, grooving rhythm section, soaring vocals and Bassett peeling off classy guitar lick after guitar lick – another highlight. The superbly titled ‘Sex With The Ex’ is back to mid tempo boogie land built around a simple but infectious Bryan Bassett guitar lick, again that classic 70’s Foghat sound is evoked. ‘Self Medicated’ sees the energy levels remain at fever pitch for another dose of hard rocking goodness which should be seen by young kids as an example of how to do this sort of thing. ‘Mean Voodoo Woman’ sees the tempo slow a tad but the delivery is hard and inspired. ‘Voodoo Woman Blues’ closes the album in almost acoustic fashion with a down and dirty vibe, stripped down sound is a nice way to end the album.

SUMMARY
Despite taking some time for me to get around to hearing this album, my initial concerns about a band carrying on in pale imitation of a previous guise proved short-lived as soon as ‘Mumbo Jumbo’ blasted out. What the new Foghat have managed to deliver with Family Joules is an album that is not only true and respectful to the bands past, but also full of enough of its own personality to make this “new” incarnation valid. Its obvious that Huhn and Bassett know what the band is all about, and the freshness that have brought to the music sees for the most part ‘Family Joules’ stand up and loud and proud with the bands finest 70’s output. My one slight reservation would be a production that is a little on the polite side but overall ‘Family Joules’ is a welcome return to studio action from one rock’s greatest bands.

RATING : 85%
HOT SPOTS : Hero To Zero, Looking For You, Long Time Coming.

Musicians
Roger Earl - Drums
Tony Stevens - Bass
Charlie Huhn - Vocals / Guitar
Bryan Bassett - Lead Guitar

Tracks
1 Mumbo Jumbo
2 Hero to Zero
3 Thames Delta Blues
4 Flat Busted (And Out Of Gas)
5 I Feel Fine
6 I'm a Rock 'n Roller
7 Hit the Ground Running
8 Looking For You
9 Long Time Coming
10 Sex With the Ex
11 Self-medicated
12 Mean Voodoo Woman
13 Voodoo Woman Blues

Official Website

http://www.foghat.net

Buy Online

http://www.foghat.net
http://cdbaby.com/cd/foghat