The past is really lovely sometimes, due the visceral and raw music that was done, but we must have in mind that things were done in this way because the technical conditions in those days were reflective of this. Today, to record as it was done in the past makes no sense. Of course, you can bring back some kinds of musical genres from the past, but keep in mind that we are not in the 70s, the 80s or the 90s. One band that fits as a good example as how to make old music without sounding outdated is the Irish quartet BONEYARD DOG. Their album "Bluesbound Train" is really very good.

Their main style is what some can label as Classic Rock, that same way we are used to know from bands as WHITESNAKE, DEEP PURPLE, BLUE MURDER and many others, with that very good dose of musical accessibility, some bluesy influences, but always sounding as a Rock band. I admit that their music is really nothing new at all, just another band playing the good and old Classic Rock, but the main difference between BONEYARD DOG and many others is that their music sounds alive, with energy and personality. They're not cloning, just doing what they want.

"Bluesbond Train" was produced, mixed and mastered by Rob Mancini (the band's bassist and vocalist), and he did a fine work, using a modern sound quality to fit with the band's musical style. The tunes of the musical instruments are alright, all is listenable, and the bits of rawness are due their musical style, not from the recording. Let me explain in a straight and honest way: the band sounds like an old band from the past, but with a clearer sound quality.

Their musical work is lovely and melodic, but there are moments when they get heavy and aggressive (give a listening to "Lay Down the Law" and you'll get the right idea of what I'm trying to say). Even stating that all the songs are very good, there are some moments when they must be applauded, as the bluesy and classical Rock song "Mother Lode" (fine work on keyboards, indeed, and some harmonica parts made by Geoffrey Spool), the very good melodic lines that fills "Kingdom of your Company", the melodic and beautiful ballad called "Lonely Road" (that has very good vocals, and a good appearance of Mark Lynn from GOTTHARD on bass guitar), the charming melodies from "Bluesbound Train" (here, there's a fine work from guitars on the riffs), the obvious LED ZEPPELIN scent on the creole parts of "Paid my Dues", the aggressive and nasty "Lay Down the Law" (hear the weight coming from guitar riffs and the excellent work done by bass guitar and drums), the monumental Rock songs called "Heartbreaker" and "Fire Down Below". By the way: some of the backing vocals had as a special guest John Pratt, from FIREFLY.

It's a very good album, indeed.