THE ANSWER are back after seven long years with the highly anticipated ‘Sundowners’, released via Golden Robot Records… and it could possibly be their best body of work to date since debut album ‘Rise’.
Mixed & produced by Dan Weller, the 11-track collection takes us from 70’s infused blues rock belters to the slower wonders like the closer ‘Always Alright’. Opening with the 6min 30 mystical slide beauty of ‘Sundowners’ we are wrenched forward to the fuzzy riffs of ‘Blood Brothers’ with its earworm hooks & chorus before Cormac Neeson leads us into the catchy ‘California Rust’ with his raspy vocals (he sounds better than ever). ‘Want You To Love Me’ keeps the foot firmly pressed to the metal before one of my album highlights ‘Oh Cherry’… fast paced & frantic – it plays with funky bass lines, mesmeric drums & sultry vocals.
We get to draw breath during his harp infused ‘No Salvation’ with underlying hints of root-based soul with subtle guitar work – Divine! ‘Cold Heart’ emerges with swagger & leads us to the foot stomping ‘All Together’.
Guitarist Paul Mahon’s tones are ever noticeable throughout, none more so than ‘Livin’ On The Line’ with the rhythm section of Micky Waters (Bass) & James Heatley (Drums), complimenting the outstanding sound, the four members pull together on ‘Sundowners’.
‘Get Back On It’ is another foot stomping rocker which will encourage maximum audience movement on the live stage. Album closer ‘Always Alright’ is an intricate track and another highlight, with acoustic undertones blending with almost Country/Blues vibes takes us nicely to the end as gospel style backing vocals pick up to a crescendo finish.
An album to be played for any occasion – to pick yourself up or chill yourself out, alone or with friends. Loud or through headphones The Answer have ticked every box & more with ‘Sundowners’
9/10
Tracklisting:
“Sundowners”
“Blood Brother”
“California Rust”
“Want You To Love Me”
“Oh Cherry”
“No Salvation”
“Cold Heart”
“All Together”
“Livin’ On The Line”
“Get Back On It”
“Always Alright”