As one of the ÜR team who is happiest working away in the background, behind the camera or shouting at the rest of the crüe, it has taken a lot to get me to step forward and present my opinions in public. But sometimes an album drops into ÜRHQ that grabs me and makes me want to declare “my precious…” – and when this dropped in I had to take it. Snake Oil & Harmony, featuring two of my heart-throbs – Danny Vaughn of Tyketto and Dan Reed of Dan Reed Network – are about to release their debut album on 28 February through Zero One Entertainment.
A lot of you will probably realize by the previous sentence that I’m a massive fan of both these guys, so this one presented me with a small problem… “how do I be objective?” Well here goes…
Both Vaughn and Reed are extremely talented guys, but with distinctive styles and voices; but as the album opens it is immediately apparent that they blend together beautifully. ‘The Lines Are Open’ is upbeat and catchy with a heart-warming message within the lyrics. The track list echoes both of their back catalogues, with a twist that they each brought to this project and combined. Each song has a different vibe to it, but you can’t say that one’s Vaughn or that one’s Reed (yes, they swap lead vocals throughout); the album is very much two guys working together and enjoying themselves.
One track I really like is ‘Dance In The Heart Of The Sun’: it is bouncy, catchy and the lyrics stick in your head (I am singing along while writing). We can all associate with the words, as we all work hard for a living and get frustrated with the day to day grind, but this song has a “yeah, life’s hard but let’s party” feel. Fans of both guys will know they like their ballads but ‘Another Reason’ is a ballad with a difference: the verses are quite dark and the chorus is just about love.
This album covers so many subjects of today’s turbulent life done with an uplifting message wrapped up in a hug from both guys. It’s thought provoking, it’s hug embracing along with a message of love to all.
Ok… I tried to be objective but personally I can’t find a reason to say anything negative about this album: it has everything. So, until I can catch these guys on tour, I’m going pour a glass of chardonnay, put my feet up and enjoy the album again.
‘Hurricane Riders’ is released on Friday 28 February. You can get your copy HERE.
Snake Oil & Harmony are currently on tour, hitting the ÜK on the following dates next month:
www.facebook.com/Snake-Oil-and-Harmony
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