Cherokee hail from Cologne in Germany. Blood and Gold is their debut album – and it’s a cracker. Something of a throwback to the good old fashioned hard rock of the 1970s full of energy and drive.
And in the good old days this would have been classified as a good old double album what with around a seventy-five minute running time split in to two halves – blood and gold. A further non back to the ‘70s is the cover art with the stereo logo at the top.
The music is first rate. Mixes in many different styles from full on pulsing hard rockers to a spot of prog, a bit bluesy and even a bit of country and western goes heavy.
Sometimes there’s a bit of an early Thin Lizzy vibe, sometimes it sounds like a heavier Jethro Tull, Steeleye Span or Renaissance.
So much going on – not least the overall energy of the band and the spectacular vocals of Laura Vesprini. Reminds me of the great Fabienne Shine from Shakin’ Street (remember them?).
The opener – Bill Pullman – bounces along apace driven by the drums and a great clipped jangling riff. Vesprini’s all over it and there are some excellent, clean guitar breaks. A thumping introduction.
My Sweet Tulip has a poppier feel with a fine melody as does Just One Summer Long. Then the slightly bizarre but oh so enjoyable brooding C&W lilt of Il Grande Silenzio. Listening to it brings up images of Clint Eastwood riding in to town in a 1960s spaghetti western. It’s slightly spooky too then builds in a big crescendo towards the end.
Sigourney is a monster of a song. Slowish start before it breaks out, slows down, goes up again, riffs all over the place, Vesprini’s range astounding, the melodic passages fit in so well before another big finish. Heavy/progressive stuff at its best. Have a listen:
The first half (blood) closed out by an upbeat Song for RG and a brooding Nightingale and Red Rose.
On to the second half – which is generally a bit heavier – and it’s just as enjoyable as the first half. Rite of Peyote a fine in your face rocker, Ridin’ Free much in the Lizzy style with Warriors of the Rainbow closing things out in another monster of a heavy/proggy epic.
Fifteen songs over around an hour and a quarter. All high quality and a little unusual – which adds to the enjoyment. There’s even an early Wishbone Ash type feel to the twin guitars. Gotta like that.
With a debut as good as this and a recognisable style of their own (not to mention the retro-1970s feel), Cherokee surely has what it takes. I look forward to their next release.
Want a copy for yourself? It might be a bit tricky. I bought mine from Plastic Head here in the UK. Here are links to check out to bag Blood and Gold for yourself in your format of choice.
AMAZON
https://amzn.to/3DpZqSK
BANDCAMP
https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/cherokee-blood-gold
PLASTIC HEAD
https://www.plastichead.com