Never a Dead End
Big Clyde
As the title of their new release "Never a Dead End" says: no matter where you are in your life, it always goes on, even next to the limelight, uninterrupted. So the songs on the disc describe this circumstance in different stories and excerpts from life. These are also important steps on the way to your goal. And which good film does not contain a romance story? The story of the relationship is also a theme on this disc. The album contains six tracks.
"Coffee to Go" opens the album. It has an AC/DC type energy and sound in the guitars. But vocalist Ken Volken has a sexy, smooth vocals. The harmonies in the chorus are what make the song. "Bragger" is a bit longer, and features a heavier, mid-tempo pace. It has a good rocking energy along with a fitting guitar solo. The guys are no slouches when it comes to their musicianship. "Kick off my Boots" features a slower, more sultry pace. A key change brings melody to the forefront of the song, and the chorus is big and rich. "At night, when I kick off my boots, I forget all of my troubles" he croons.
"Heartbreaker" is where the "romance story" comes into play. It opens with a heavier riff that starts on the E chord and climbs up the scale a bit. "Just walk on, no turning back" is Kev's message here. The bass notes are audible here as well, which I always appreciate. "Walk the Dog" is the longest on the album, at exactly five minutes in length. It features a slower pace, and a little more grit. Although I can hear the lyrics clearly, I am unsure of the message here. "Roll the Dice" closes the album. It opens with a slow moving sound with an easy listening riff, but then picks up in speed. A guitar solo ushers in Kev's vocals, which extend into the upper ranges.
Overall, this was a fun-loving album where the band showed excellent musicianship along their tight instrumental lines. Kev's voice is the perfect match for the music, and I love the message that "life goes on" because indeed, it does. The band just tried to put a few rays of happiness into your life here, and they succeeded in my opinion. Rock on, guys!
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Never a Dead End" Track-listing:
1. Coffee to Go
2. Bragger
3. Kick off my Boots
4. Heartbreaker
5. Wall the Dog
6. Roll the Dice
Big Clyde Lineup:
Kev Volken - Vocals
Sandro Vanetti - Guitar
Marco Hegner - Guitar
Sid de Leeuwe - Bass
Remo Spoon - Drums
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