Remember
when instruments like Moog synthesisers, Mellotron, Wha-wha, phasers and
fuzz boxes were cutting edge technology? When guys like Jimi Hendrix and
Frank Zappa and bands like Cream and Procol Harum were setting the tone
in blues rock?
NO! Well neither can I, but this double album starts and ends with the sounds created and crafted back in the late 60's and early 70's... Roine
Stolt is a well known person in progressive rock - with his main band
The Flower Kings, his participation in Transatlantic and the reunited
Kaipa - but he still finds time for his solo projects, and this time he
is exploring new musical territory. He
has been joined by Hasse Bruniussen (The Flower Kings) on percussion,
Marcus Liliequist (The Flower Kings) on drums, Neal Morse on vocals and
Hammond Organ and he handles vocals and guitars him self. But the
special thing about the line-up is the addition of 3 "well known
musicians from other genres who, due to contractual reasons, cannot
reveal their real names" (statement from Roine), so they are listed
under the pseudonyms: Gonzo Geffen (congas & percussion), Slim
Pothead (Wurlizer Piano, Mini Moog, "Wall
Street Voodoo" is for most parts a fresh and different piece of
music, it does have a few boring and mediocre songs - most on the second
CD. But if you aren't scared away by the old school analogue
instruments, and don't have a problem with psychedelic blues rock
transferred into the new millennium, and for most parts nicely combined
with Roine's flair for progressive rock, then this is the album you are
looking for... Once
more Mr. Stolt proves that not only is he a great songwriter and
vocalist, but he is also a fantastic guitar player - just listen to his
playing on the best song on the album: "Sex Kills" -
outstanding. I
do like this album a bit more than the last few efforts from The Flower
Kings and Kaipa. This is an album, that will take you on a strange
rollercoaster ride back to past. Not for everybody...
Recommended tracks:
"The Observer", "Everybody Wants to Rule the World",
"Sex Kills" & "Outcast". |
