What initially seems like an odd pairing on paper turns out to actually provide plenty of sparks & electricity on Energy Overload, the debut album from the pairing of legendary drummer Carmine Appice (Cactus/Vanilla Fudge/Rod Stewart/Ozzy Osbourne/Beck, Bogert & Appice/King Kobra/Blue Murder), and multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer Fernando Perdomo. On their maiden voyage together, the two have crafted a host of new instrumental songs, plus a couple covers, for an album that works on many levels. Those not familiar with Perdomo from his many solo albums or work with David Kerzner will be astonished at his commanding chops on guitar, bass, and keyboards, here working more in a hard rock, funk, and blues style alongside the kind of swing Appice. Most of these songs hit hard with a ton of groove, such as the raucous title track, the crunchy "Blow Speaker Boogie", the goove laden "Funky Jackson", the ringing lead guitars of "Rocket to the Sun", the funky psych of "Pure Ecstasy" (featuring guest keys from Derek Sherinian), and the dazzling jazz-fusion of "The Triumph". Perdomo's lead guitar work throughout is stellar (and his bass lines are pretty eye popping as well), and it's great to hear him in this high energy rock/fusion format alongside the old pro Carmine. Paul McCartney's classic "Maybe I'm Amazed" is given royal treatment, and Carmine's old hit with Rod "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" is a blast, the duo turning it into a funky, reggae splash complete with loads of wah-wah guitars from Perdomo. "Thunder" is another wild Jeff Beck inspired fusion romp with sizzling guitar & drum licks plus a highly majestic melody...fun stuff.
Energy Overload is ultimately lots of fun, and hopefully we get a part two from these guys somewhere down the road.
Track Listing
1. Blow Speaker Boogie
2. Funky Jackson
3. Energy Overload
4. Flower Child
5. Rocket To The Sun
6. Pure Ecstasy
7. The Triumph
8. Maybe I’m Amazed
9. Little Havana, Big Havana
10. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
11. Starstream
12. Thunder
13. Reprise
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