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Voodoo Johnson: Into The Red (EP)

Just when you think that classic metal is waning, along comes a band that shows you Neil Young was right when he said "Hey, hey, my, my, rock and roll will never die". Many have tried to resurrect this musical art form only to find that the magic wasn't there. To be able to compete in this field, a band has to be able to bring something new to the table while still letting the listener feel as if they were hearing the great arena rock bands of the past era. This takes something special and very few can pull it off. Of course, most cannot rely on a little Voodoo to help them out!

Casting a spell on the listener that will cause unstoppable fist pumping, head banging and a bad case of foot stompin', Voodoo Johnson is just the medicine that the witch doctor ordered! The attack on the central nervous system takes hold from the opening riff laid down on "The Longest Day I Ever Wasted" and does not cease until the CD is safely put away. I strongly recommend a fire proof container as this disc is a scorcher!

Starting off with the Gethin brothers guitar magic, Carl on lead and Paul on rhythm, Voodoo Johnson has the six string weaponry to make a bold statement in the world of heavy metal. Carl (Carlo), who was a past winner of the Total Guitar 'Riffathon' proved his prowess by winning this competition judged by a panel that knows a little something about guitars; Brian May, Dan Hawkins and Jimmy Page. These guys recognized early on what the rest of us can find out on the disc Into The Red, Carl is a rising star in the world of metal guitarist.

His brother Paul is no slouch either. Churning out powerful riffs that make the foundation for their sound, he has a unique style that captures the essence of pure rock and roll.

Drummer Dave Barker has the kind of ability that makes you think of Bonham with the way he always has the perfect fill and masterful punctuation to the melody. It's not often that a drummer really catches my ear, but there is an amazing feel to his playing that sets body parts to twitching uncontrollably. Not to mention he has brought back the classic rock and roll cowbell!

Bass player Rich Bellamy is the guy that keeps the heavy metal horns pumping at every concert. He brings a bluesy type style that oozes classic rock and roll. Like on their soon to be hit "Bad Habit" where his thumping bass line takes the lead and keeps the head bobbing and the fist pumping during this furious bit of heavy metal heaven. His style reminds me a lot of Gary Thain from the original Uriah Heep. Neither of these guys were ones to sit in the back and just keep the tempo. Their instrument takes a predominant place in the sound of their respective bands and we are the better for it.

Then you have the vocals of Kev Bayliss. The inevitable comparison to Bruce Dickenson does apply in this case. Kev also has a little bit of southern charm similar to Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes. Not many groups can reach to both ends of the heavy metal spectrum with the ease that Voodoo Johnson does thanks to the dynamic vocals of Bayliss.

Reeling you in with the first cut "The Longest Day I Ever Wasted", VJ doesn't try to ease you into this album; instead they fire right into this classic piece of feel good rock and roll that is one that makes me want to rename them the Brown Crowes at least for this song. Churning guitar complete with funky wah-wah, hooky chorus backed by a horn section and the return of the storied rock and roll instrumentation, the beloved cowbell! These guys from Birmingham, England sound like they might be just as much at home in Birmingham, Alabama with this bit of southern tinged rock and roll.

After warming you up, VJ takes care of all the non believers with a song that will someday be known as the first hit by these newcomers. "Bad Habit" is a habit I can live with, bad or not! More addictive than cigarettes, Voodoo Johnson supplies all the rock and roll junkies with the drug that keeps them coming back for more! This song is guaranteed to get stuck in the grey matter and just keep rolling and rocking around in there. About the only relief you'll get is more VJ of one kind or another.

The anthem like rocker "Seven Years" is the song that will have the Bic's lit for a good portion with its slow build to a thunderous metal explosion. This gives you a rest briefly before giving you the soundtrack for some serious headbanging. Bayliss shows off his vocal gymnastics and will make you a believer in the power of Voodoo with the talent he shows off here.

"Another White Lie" lets the band vent their views on the political climate and what led us to the state of war that way too many are engaged in right now. Carrying their message wrapped inside a blistering showcase of metal might, the feeling of anger and betrayal is abundantly clear thanks to the snarling vocals of Bayliss. This churning rocker will make you pause and think. It will also, like all great rock and roll, make you feel too!

Instead of exhaling to end the disc, Voodoo Johnson makes you "Inhale". It might be more like a sharp gasp for air as they do their best to remove the oxygen from the surrounding area with a gut wrenching bit of high octane rock and roll. Mixing this dynamite rock with just a dash of screamo gives you a final taste that will have you rushing to the repeat button as the song ends.

The band gets their name from a story that every student of rock and roll history learns quite early. The story of how Robert Johnson supposedly learned his guitar wizardry. Well, if there is any group that sounds as if they sold their soul to the devil to create great music it is Voodoo Johnson. If this is the case, then Satan has held up his part of the bargain!

Track listing:

1. The Longest Day I Ever Wasted
2. Bad Habit
3. Seven Years
4. Another White Lie
5. Inhale

Added: January 23rd 2009
Reviewer: Scott Ward
Score:
Related Link: Band's Myspace page
Hits: 3659
Language: english

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» Reader Comments:

Voodoo Johnson: Into The Red (EP)
Posted by Alicia J on 2009-02-20 04:05:03
My Score:

Voodoo Johnson are simply stunning

Ya right, their a band that are putting the brit back into rock..... proper rock!

Go guys!

Going to catch them live again, they where brilliant in birminghams Asylum!

Alicia
x

Voodoo Johnson: Into The Red (EP)
Posted by Alan Jones on 2009-01-23 20:30:03
My Score:

Great review of superb music from a great band!

Voodoo Johnson inspired me from the first moment I heard them. A breath of fresh air and a band that is definitely going places. Looking forward to catching them live soon.

Al




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