Seems that even Prosthetic & Napalm Records (the US & Europe labels of the band) are jumping on the '70s retro rock bandwagon these days, as they are getting set to release A Hiding Place from German rock band Zodiac. Their 2012 debut A Bit of Devil raised the eyebrows of both classic rock fans & critics alike, and the band are now set to really make that long lasting impression here on their sophomore effort. Have they scored the needed home run? I'd say they have. A Hiding Place kicks off rather safely with the upbeat rocker "Downtown", a solid if unspectacular blues rock/classic rock track, but then the band delivers the stunning "Free", as '70s styled hard rock guitars, powerful vocals, & Deep Purple influenced Hammond Organ swirl about the mix. Some inventive drumming, meaty guitar licks, and organ lead you into the groove laden "Underneath My Bed", a must hear for fans of Graveyard, Witchcraft, and even blues rock guitar hero Joe Bonamassa. The gutsy "Moonshine" delivers sweaty, ballsy heavy blues rock, with riffs that bring to mind Deep Purple, Humble Pie, Cactus, and Led Zeppelin, while "Believer" has a bluesy, swirling, psychedelic feel and some emotional guitar licks. Speaking of great guitar work, there is plenty to be found on the rumbling two part rocker "I Wanna Know", as well as the distortion laced cover of Neil Young's classic "Cortez the Killer".
Cool band name, catchy '70s sounds with stellar vocals & guitar playing, hey, it's not hard to really like this band & album if you dig vintage sounds. Two thumbs up for A Hiding Place and four stars-be sure to check these guys out!
Track Listing
1) Downtown
2) Free
3) Underneath My Bed
4) Leave Me Blind
5) Moonshine
6) Believer
7) I Wanna Know Part 1
8) I Wanna Know Part 2
9) Cortez the Killer
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