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George, Robin: Rogue Angels

Recent times have seen Robin George both reappraise his incredible back catalogue and release an impressive stream of new albums. Rogue Angels is his latest set of fresh recordings and for a man long known for high profile collaborations (Robert Plant, Phil Lynott, Glenn Hughes etc), there’s a certain irony that this almost purely solo effort is undoubtedly one of his best. Having worked together regularly throughout their careers, drummer Charlie Morgan is once again the man behind Robin’s beat, the kind of telepathic bond that only time can build hugely benefiting a set of songs that positively burst with vim and vigour. With Robin handling everything else, the cohesive and ‘band’ nature of Rogue Angels really has to be experienced to be fully appreciated; the fire that burns bright from the very second “Wild Eyed Beauty Queen” comes into being completely knocking you sideways with the pure energy it possesses.

That Robin is arguably best known for bothering the charts in the 80s, and his ability to write songs that show other artists at their best, it’s often forgotten that he’s a heck of a guitarist, and with his foot thoroughly stamped on the distortion pedal, the irresistible little guitar runs that add colour and intrigue to “Dangerous Daisy” and the album’s title track (which, if I’m not mistaken, cleverly nods towards George’s biggest hit, “Heartline”) instantly snag the ear and won’t let go. A second look over the shoulder arrives in the shape of “Go Down Fighting 2018”, Robin’s debut single given a meaty reworking here and thriving in this updated form. Throughout, Robin refers lyrically to his long held ethos of LovePower & Peace, the theme of love conquering all and having the power to bring about peace, if we’d only let it, revisited numerous times across these songs and lending them an uplifting quality in the process. Something which comes across again and again in the crafted layers that are used to accentuate the insistent vocals. However, when you feel the obvious love and joy that the likes of “Dancing Shoes Again”, “Rush” and “Surreal Dream” have all been created with, then the same ethos also comes across in the hook laden music and, dare I say it, some of the best guitar solos Robin has ever pulled from his fretboard.

Over a vast and varied career Robin George has created a hugely eclectic body of work, but with the hard rocking, blues edged energy of Rogue Angels it really feels like this singer, guitarist and songwriter is making music that completely satisfies his creative need. Surely it’s no coincidence that it also comes across as one of the most impressive albums he’s put his name to.


Track Listing
1. Wild Eyed Beauty Queen

2. Rush

3. Dangerous Daisy

4. Rogue Angels

5. PlayNice

6. RedOut

7. Go Down Fighting 2018

8. Dancing Shoes Again

9. Surreal Dream

10. Dark & Stormy Night

11. Love Is Blind

Added: January 27th 2019
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Rogue Angels at Angel Air
Hits: 1772
Language: english

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George, Robin: Rogue Angels
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2019-01-28 05:11:15
My Score:

Robin George started his life in music with the band Life (pun intended). He then played guitar in The Byron Band and eventually released his first solo album titled Dangerous Music in 1984. He’s had the occasional release since then and has formed a few other projects, some with more success than others. He has also worked as a record producer. Within recent years Angel Air Records has re-released his albums and the trend continues with his latest release titled Rogue Angels. On the new platter George sings and plays everything himself except for drums, which are provided by his longtime friend Charlie Morgan.

Three is nothing complicated here, just solid hard rock music with good riffs and George’s trusted, slightly raw vocals that deliver the hooks all over the place. The album opening “Wild Eyed Beauty Queen” begins with a big blast of sliding guitar riffs and heads in the vein of catchy AOR. It’s a good start where George conveys his ample ability in the art of the hook. The up-tempo “Rush” is another catchy barn burner as is the bluesy riff rocker “Dangerous Daisy”. The biggest earworm for me is the excellent title track featuring more of George’s gritty vocals and guitar work. George goes for a slightly different sound on “Play Nice”, a more hazy hard rock feel to the vocals and guitar. It’s an intoxicating tune and for me the best on the album.

Rogue Angels is a fine melodic hard rock album from a veteran musician who certainly knows how to spin a melody or two. Recommended.




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