As you know I don’t normally do reviews but when this album dropped into ÜRHQ and we popped it into the stereo, it caught my ear straight away. To be honest, I had never heard of Voodoo Sioux and I was surprised when I researched then to find out that they originally formed in the early 90’s but called it a day in 1997. They have just released their latest album ‘Professor Balthazar’s Psychedelic Medicine Show’.
The album opens with a motorbike engine roaring into life followed a hard and heavy thumping bass riff. ‘Running On Empty’ is fast paced good old-school hard r’n’r. Its catchy lyrics stick in your head, (I’ve only listened to it a couple of times and I’m sitting here singing along already). Nick Flaherty’s vocals are crystal clear with that husky blues edge and the harmonies with JB blend with the sexy edge to them. ‘Pandora’s Box’ and ‘Better Man’ continue the party dance along to pace, along with easy to sing along lyrics. ‘Into the Garden’ slows the album done and showcases the softer side of this band as it begins with a beautiful soft harmonica. This song is very bass orientated but it’s soft and soothing in every way. ‘Turnaround’ features the first guest appearance by Rick Benton (from Magnum) on keyboards/ piano with a funky vibe to this track.
This album takes the eardrums up and down as the perfect blend of the musicians and vocals rise and lower with every track depending on theme of the song. Happiness, longing, romance and a “fuck you” attitude run through the entire album combined with a “let’s get drunk and party” vibe. It’s rollercoaster of extreme high paced in your face riffs also some take it right down melodic songs.
As a person who has had music play a large part of my life from an early age, both as a fan and a performer, it is very rare for a band to totally grab me on first listen but Voodoo Sioux did it. I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves good r’n’f’r.
- ‘Professor Balthazar’s Psychedelic Medicine Show’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
- Voodoo Sioux play Percy’s Café Bar in Whitchurch this coming Saturday (8 February).
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