When three outstanding musicians like Ritchie Kotzen (guitars & vocals), Billy Sheehan (bass) and Mike Portnoy (drums) get together the term supergroup is bound to be thrown out there. And like so many all-star bands before them they are bound to fail, unless they deliver something extraordinary.
I am sorry to say that they do not deliver something that sets them apart from the competition. Sure, you can’t put a finder on the technical side of things: each member is a true champion in his game, and the album has an excellent production. But what lets us a bit down is the songs…
When you put on a hard rock album you want to listen to memorable and catchy songs, and even though this album, like their debut album, has its moments, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression on me. No chorus is one you find yourself humming the next day and the soft songs are not ones to remember.
It’s by no means a bad album, and it’s actually better than their first album. And if you like bass driven hard rock with outstanding leads and a rock solid and ultra-tight rhythm section, I suggest you give this one a listen …
For fans of Chickenfoot, Mr. Big and Deep Purple.
Tracklist:
- Oblivion (4:11)
- Captain Love (5:06)
- Hot Streak (5:10)
- How Long (3:55)
- Empire (6:08)
- Fire (4:46)
- Ghost Town (4:27)
- The Bridge (4:49)
- War Machine (5:11)
- Spiral (5:50)
- Devil You Know (4:30)
- Think It Over (5:02)
- The Lamb (6:44)
Playing time: 65:54
Release date: October 2, 2015
Label: earMUSIC
Website: www.thewinerydogs.com
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