By Monk
It could be argued that, like its predecessor NWoBHM, the term “New Wave of Classic Rock” has become something of an outdated misnomer. After all, it has been around for more than a decade now and seems to be a badge pinned on every band that evokes the spirit of ‘70s and ‘80s rock ‘n’ roll, and especially if they have a blues edge to their sound. However, if we’re going to insist on perpetuating the analogy, then it has to be said that London quintet The Karma Effect definitely fulfill all of the criteria to be so categorized.
Powered by frontman Henry Gottelier’s rich baritone, which simultaneously sounds like he’s chasing whiskey shots with doses of chai latte, TKE thoroughly explore all the miens and tropes of the NWoCR classification, from their sense of intermingled harmony and melody to that of Faces-style grittiness and precise, driven rhythms under accurately targeted riffs and laconic solos.
It has be admitted that TKE bring nothing new to the table: but, does any band these days? After all, everyone seems to be looking over their shoulder to look at what has gone before… what they do, like so many of their NWoCR counterparts, is inject fresh energy into the genre and give it a much-needed lick of paint… and it sure as hell ain’t magnolia, that’s for sure. Rather, a vibrant shade of pale blue that would have the likes of Laurence Llewellen-Bowen turning green with envy (sic).
- ‘The Karma Effect’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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