Classic rock fans will no doubt recognize the name Verden Allen, founding member & Hammond organ player of Mott the Hoople, but Allen has also had a pretty active solo career throughout the years, and Love You & Leave You is his latest for Angel Air Records, and features his band Soft Ground. On the album, Allen handles all vocals and Hammond organ, and he is joined by guitarist Jamie Thyer, bass player Rob Hankins, and drummer Matt Blakout.
The majority of the songs on Love You & Leave You are catchy, melodic rockers, thick with Allen's Hammond organ and some tasty guitar playing from Thyer. Nothing too heavy, not overly adventurous, but certainly reeking of class and a more than pleasant listening experience for any classic rock fan. When the band really fires on all cylinders, like on the rousing "Knocking on Those Old Back Doors", the results are quite engaging, with Allen clearly having a blast and tearing it up on the Hammond. Other strong cuts include the Deep Purple inspired "Hold On to This", the majestic "Find Yourself", and the swirling Hammond driven gem "Soft Ground". Status Quo fans will probably get a kick out of the upbeat boogie of "Long Time No See", and "A New Way" has a swagger to it that's pretty damn infectious.
If there's one drawback to Love You & Leave You, it's Allen's vocals. At this stage it doesn't seem like he's able to vary his pitch or delivery much, so for most of the album his vocals have a very 'samey' feel to them, and at times he's really straining to reach notes. Also, there's a very 'British' feel to his style, which for some may or may not get grating. That being said, despite the little bit of limitations on the vocal front, Love You & Leave You is actually a pretty fine album that any fan of '70s rock should enjoy. Verden Allen has assembled a top notch band here, so for all you fans of Hammond organ & guitar drenched rock & roll, dig in deep.
Track Listing
1) Love You and Leave You
2) On the Rebound
3) Find Yourself
4) Knocking on Those Old Back Doors
5) Wine Ridden Talks
6) Hold On to This
7) Soft Ground
8) Son of the Wise Ones
9) Do You Want Me 2?
10) Long Time No See
11) Two Miles From Heaven
12) Fine Time to Love
13) A New Way
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