I like it when music reviewers talk about a band's courage for certain decision in its career, that is commendable and it leaves a fine taste in the mouth, at least for the band. Also I admire the fact that there is that mentioned courage surrounding a band's music. However, why the hell is that so important anyway? A band is making a certain kind of music, as far as I would like to think as a band member myself, because the guys like it and they want to spread it. So my friends, I believe that there is no courage because I am sure that the guys care that they like the material. If the folks listening enjoy the tunes, an extra chip to the shoulder. With that cleared out of the way, I would like to present you to the American band, which is currently a German resident, SIMEON SOUL CHARGER, your answer for a hazy afternoon right before the sun clicks its off button.

I have never followed these guys before, but the people at Gentle Art Of Music provided me with the great opportunity to get to know their music up close. "A Trick Of Light", coming up as the band's number three in the chain, is a dream state of a passionate voices from the past, taking a ride into the veils of the late 60's and 70's, laying down layers of progression, PINK FLOYDian Rock manifesto of Psychedelia, along with even early Elton John and the obscurer side of the BEATLES, Blues and the Stoner ingredient. Far from my perceptions regarding Metal music, I actually wanted to take this journey with this band as I felt that I needed something different for the heart, and eventually with it I found a means to take pleasure in.

With their haziness, SIMEON SOUL CHARGER, similar to bands from the early days that put their weight in obscurity, seduced with their articulate arrangements. At times catchy and harmonic, just waiting for that spot of sing along to hit the airwaves, the out they are again to another awkward musical section, drawing attention into a different genre of Rock. Take "Evening Drag" as an example, far from being a drag at all, but actually a crispy picture of ultimate vintage Rock. There is also the victorious "How Do You Peel" that made me feel powerful, amazing singing, a kind of a western shadow evolves within the echoes of the smooth guitaring and a slamming guitar solo under a cloud of thriller type rhythm section. I got my dosage of Stoner inflicted Rock with the final drop called "Floating Castles", something to smoke about with tricks and traps, cool ploys within the assorted arrangement of the song, a bit of PINK FLOYD, yet with a strong Rock perspective though still being Progy. One would have to admire the harmony of vocals and lead guitar efforts, simply marvelous. Finally, though there were more to mention, yet I don't wish to let you in too much without you really listening to the whole album, SIMEON SOUL CHARGER did quite an honor for the classic 1956's hit "I Put A Spell On You", originally composed and written by Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the almost SABBATHerian Rock charge inflammation with bitter Blues made me tremble, and the vocals, simply to die for, so piercing, right under the bone.

There you have it ladies and gentleman, a Rock album fitting your checking and tuning, possibly one of the better bands in the genre that I have heard in while. With all the Metal running around, one has to head to the origins of the genre and find out the greatness of the past and also a hopeful gaze to a better future.