By David O’Neill
‘Keep Out Of The Storm’ showcases these Canadian retro-herders’ continued command of vintage rock sounds, even amidst lineup shifts. With 11 tightly composed, riff-heavy tracks, the record expands on their 2022 release ‘Outta Sight’, infusing their classic style with renewed vigour and sharper focus.
Amid personnel changes and touring commitments, this album was recorded in a manner resembling a series of collaborative jam sessions, resulting in a collection that is both introspective and inspiring.
The band maintains their signature elements — complex guitar harmonies, analog keyboards, and harmonious vocals reminiscent of CCR, the Allman Brothers Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd — while ‘…Storm’ marks a step towards more ambitious experimentation.
The addition of guitarist Ricky Paquette (following Jimmy Bowskill’s departure) introduces dynamic slide work and a hard rock edge, particularly notable in the dual solo performance on ‘Nobody But You.’ Guest drummers contribute to the album’s sense of immediacy by replacing founding member Sam Corbett.
In contrast to the concise and exuberant style of ‘Outta Sight’ (noted for tracks featuring JJ Cale-inspired shuffles such as ‘So Far Gone’ and Thin Lizzy-esque riffs), this new release offers expanded musical territory: the title track integrates Tom Petty-style pub rock with elements inspired by The Cars’ new wave sound; ‘Bad For Your Health’ explores stoner psychedelia in the vein of Blue Cheer; and ‘I Do’ evokes influences from T Rex and Queen.
Highlights such as the Southern-inspired ‘All I Wanna Do’ and the driving closer ‘Out All Night’ (which recalls ‘Sweet Home Alabama’) bring anthemic warmth, evoking the feeling of camaraderie during a garage jam session. Ewan Currie’s soulful vocals and steady production give each track a sense of authenticity, grounding them through life’s ups and downs.
The album’s short length is noticeable, though: tracks like the hazy JJ Cale homage ‘Take A Look At Me Riding’ and even the expansive, epic-leaning finale ‘Out All Night’ feel like they end too soon. The publicity with the release has Currie saying he wants to sing less (but why with his vocal warmth and tone?) and play more riffs. Well, they have certainly delivered on both with this release. I wonder what it will be like live?
Overall, ‘Keep Out Of The Storm’ eclipses their prior work’s good-time escapism, refining revivalism into a ripper that dances between nostalgia and innovation — pure ‘70s rock’n’roll shelter.
- ‘Keep Out Of The Storm’ will be released on Friday 27 February.
- The Sheepdogs tour at the end of the year:
