As it is becoming apparent that I am stepping more and more into reviewing, I have to give this band ten outta ten for persistence: we received numerous emails and download links from them – and then two CDs through the post… so I thought it only fair that they get their reward and I give them a listen.
‘Confess’ are a sleaze rock quintet hailing from Stockholm and have just released their third studio album ‘Burn ‘Em All’. The album opens with a tribal beat on the drums getting faster and then the twin guitars blast straight through, perfectly synced. John Elliot’s vocals have that husky, come to bed slant on the first track ‘So What?’; but, as the album plays on through ‘Malleus’ and ‘Welcome Insanity’, the softer, clearer vocals are well showcased but still maintaining that sleazy edge.
The powerhouse of Samael’s drums and Ludwig’s bass complement each other smoothly without a single hint of competition, bringing a hard and loud back drop to their sound while not drowning it.
Musically this album bounces along through different emotions that we can all relate to. It has a full party vibe as it blasts from one song straight into the next. ‘A Beautiful Mind’ brings a viciousness and explicit language (so if you’re easily offended skip this one) but the pure emotion in Elliot’s voice and the force musically makes it a standout track for me.
‘Heresy’ and ‘Burn ‘Em All’ keep that upbeat pace of the songs until ‘Is It Love’, a guitar-led strong power ballad. There is an almost pleading quality to the vocals and the harmonies are reminiscent of some classic Eighties power ballads as lyrically it questions what love feels like. ‘My Vicious Way’ is the only song on the album that changes tempo throughout the song, with in your face fast verses and chorus only to slide into a much softer interlude then blast back for the conclusion of the song. ‘509’ and ‘Prominence’ continue the classic sleaze coupled with a biker bar room feel to both songs and then we come to the closing of the track list, ‘On For The Road’, which is true old-fashioned anthem.
All in all, this is a great party soundtrack for either your house parties or in a bar. I have to admit that I have never heard of ‘Confess’ before the push for attention, but I will be tracking down their back catalogue for myself. So, to finish off: their persistence to be noticed by ÜR has paid off and they have gained another fan.
- ‘Burn ‘em All’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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