Down in the Dust is the third album from Lonerider coming in a couple of years after the excellent Sundown.
Like Sundown, Down in the Dust continues the classic blues tinged hard rock sound with the ‘70s tinge in the style of the likes of Free and Bad Company.
Perhaps that’s not surprising as former Free and Bad Co. drummer Simon Kirke is in the line-up as (in my opinion) one of the finest rock drummers of his generation. Such a solid drummer. Simple and effective.
Also we have the golden larynx of Steve Overland (FM, Shadowman), the sublime guitar chops of Steve Morris (Heartland, Shadowman), the smooth basslines of Chris Childs (Thunder) and for this album the addition of the excellent Steve Mann (Lionheart, Schenker etc.) who comes in to play some tasty Hammond organ to add to that classic rock vibe.
Musically it’s sublime stuff from first note to last. A dozen quality songs with feeling, nifty hooks and melodies performed by first class musicians.
Overland’s vocals so smooth and rangy. At times he sounds more like Paul Rogers than Paul Rogers does. Morris provides the economical yet effective crunchy riffs and laconic solos full of feeling and tone which punch above their weight. Kirke and Childs lock together as one and Mann’s Hammond swells add plenty to the recipe.
Shiver is an excellent opener. It channels Bad Company circa Straight Shooter and is so infectious with the big hooks and chorus and nifty riff. Impossibly catchy and deceptively powerful. Have a listen:
Three Steps Back follows in similar style seeing the first contribution from Mann’s Hammond organ. Getting Closer is a slightly slower burning number with more of that tasty Hammond giving it a Smokey, bluesy edge as does Help Me Brother.
Broken Down Town thumps along nicely and Back Behind the Wheel sounds a bit like ZZ Top. Long Game, Actions Speak Louder Than Words and All Fired Up all superbly measured classic hard rock with the bluesy undercurrent.
Not a duff note or misstep anywhere on this album. It’s how it should be done. A most seriously recommended listen which more than deserves the “all killer and no filler” tag.
Available in the usual formats including a limited edition vinyl with bonus tracks.
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