Legendary guitar hero Pat Travers delivered a fairly solid release for Frontiers Records back in 2013 (Can Do) but he returns now on Purple Pyramid/Cleopatra Records with Retro Rocket, a fiery return to some of the smoldering bluesy hard rock he was known for in the 1970s. Apparently Pat was given half of the backing & rhythm tracks from the folks at Cleopatra and asked to add vintage styled vocals, lyrics, and of course guitar thunder to them, which, the always capable axe slinger was able to do quite successfully. As there are a host of musicians appearing on Retro Rocket, it's not really a 'Pat Travers Band' album, but if you've come to hear the man playing with fire just like he did back in the '70s, then jump on this 'retro rocket' for a ride you won't forget.
Sizzling cuts like "I Always Run" and "Searching For a Clue" rampaging along with bluesy hard rock swagger, Travers' guitar solos front and center, grabbing the listener by the throat and reminding us why he's long been one of the most beloved players for decades. "Who Can You Turn To" is a slower, smoldering blues number that builds and builds in intensity, while "Up Is Down" features jacked up, metallic blues riffs underneath Pat's aggressive vocal delivery. My vote for best track here is the lengthy "Mystery at the Wrecking Yard", an ominous, fuzz drenched heavy rocker packed to the gills with red hot guitar solos and distorted riffing, as Travers shows the world he has PLENTY of gas left in the tank. Fans of the two-guitar attack of some of Pat's late '70s records will love the interplay between he and Jurgen Engler on the funky instrumental "You Can't Get Their From Hare", as well as the bluesy shredding alongside Joe Stump on both "I Am Alive" and "I Wanna Be Free". For some, "Hellbound Train" might disappoint a tad, as it's somewhat of a generic blues rock number but the riffs do rock hard, and truth be told, it's been a wild ride from the start and a let down was bound to happen along the way. The CD ends with a live version of "Looking Up", complete with some tasty solos, and the melodic rocker "Lead Me Home (Theme from The Walking Dead)".
Retro Rocket is ultimately an exciting 'ride' and an album that lets Pat Travers unleash his guitar skills in a big way. Hop on and enjoy this one while we wait for his next band album, which I'm sure won't be far off.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1. I Always Run
2. Searching For A Clue
3. Who Can You Turn To
4. Up Is Down
5. Mystery At The Wrecking Yard
6. You Can t Get Their From Hare
7. I Am Alive
8. I Wanna Be Free
9. Hellbound Train
10. Looking Up (Live) [CD ONLY]
BONUS TRACK [CD ONLY]
11. Lead Me Home (Theme from The Walking Dead)
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
