I must admit to having a lot of love for a certain Robin McAuley’s voice over the years from Grand Prix and MSG to Fairport Convention and his solo material. Black Swan is a band that suits his style perfectly and after a sizzling first record that rated highly at The Rockpit the only question is what can they do with that ‘difficult second album’? Well that and if they will ever play a live date or remain a studio only ‘supergroup’?
Pet hates aside – ‘Before the Light’ that opens is really nothing more than an unnecessary instrumental intro to the wonderful ‘She Hides Behind’ that really opens album number two for Black Swan the band that comprises of Jeff Pilson, Reb Beach and Matt Starr. It’s a song on which McAuley shows exactly what he brings to the band. It’s a class Rocker and one of the best here. The title track ‘Generation Mind’ that follows is a solid Melodic Rocker with a nice catchy chorus ; and ‘Eagles Fly’ is another song that McAuley elevates from ordinary to extraordinary.
There’s plenty more to love of course ‘See You Cry’ which takes the pace off a little before the riff rocks it’s way in might even be the best. It’s a Bluesy crawl that suits the album perfectly. ‘Killer on the Loose’ (not a cover of the Thin Lizzy classic which might have been cool) has a Scorpions vibe to it and like everything here a really catchy refrain but doesn’t connect quite as well; and sadly ‘Miracle’ sounds like a bit of a filler even though, again, it’s not too far off the mark. Conversely the Blues-tinged ballad ‘How Do You Feel’ is wonderful and a real showpiece.
In the run up to the finish line ‘Long Way Down’ throws down those Dokken riffs in a rather satisfying manner and the crunching ‘Crown’ with its darker lyric is one of my picks of the album, and man that Reb Beech solo is golden! Penultimate track ‘Wicked the Day’ has a real Dokken vibe about it and ticks all the boxes whilst we get a second slower number to close in ‘I Will Follow’, it’s a great track that builds nicely and shows what these guys can achieve when they let themselves get a little more expansive. A great way to close.
After a storming debut it was always going to be hard to match but we got close, real close. Can’t wait for the next installment.
8.5 / 10
Track List:
01. Before The Light | 02. She Hides Behind | 03. Generation Mind | 04. Eagles Fly | 05. See You Cry | 06. Killer On The Loose | 07. Miracle | 08. How Do You Feel | 09. Long Way Down | 10. Crown | 11. Wicked The Day | 12. I Will Follow
Band Members:
Robin McAuley – lead vocals
Reb Beach – guitar
Jeff Pilson – bass
Matt Starr – drums
Band Website:
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