Nomads of Australia, Massive have learnt the hard way the sheer amount of work that goes into touring. Heading out all over the world the band have had more than just a learning curve. Experiences have shaped the band into crafting their new record Destination Somewhere very much a red herring the album’s title suggests aimless wandering but Massive are doing anything but.
[tracklist]
- One For The Road
- Blood Money Blues
- Sinking Ship
- The Fall
- Made Of Stone
- Destination Somewhere
- Up In Smoke
- Circus
- The Way It’s Always Been
- Beaten Dog
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]41:00[/length]
[record_label]Earache Records[/record_label]
[release_date]April 22nd 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Somehow sounding familiar yet different vocalist Brad Marr‘s delivery on the record takes influence no doubt from the classic golden age of Rock ‘n’ Roll whilst giving character. Single “One For The Road” sees the singers impressive pipes blast through a vareity of ranges whilst the up beat tempos from Jarrod Medwin will keep the toes tapping among the audience. Often coming as a package Rock ‘n’ Roll contains swagger and with the likes of “Up In Smoke” containing pentatonic runs that would make Slash blush. Not quite an easy feat to make a genre that has been tried and tried again your own but Massive and their raw yet organic sounding production come pretty close.
Taking a style that has been done time and time again Massive breathe life into a genre that could be largely seen as stale. Even placing slight Indie slant on title track “Destination Somewhere” before cranking it up with an almost Zepplin style riff. Understanding their heritage the boys stay true to the Blues particularly final track “Beaten Dog” one centering on the quieter side with a fantastic performance from Marr behind simplistic guitar work with a surprising ending. Contrary to the more upbeat kick of “Blood Money Blues“. Taking a leaf from the likes of the Delta Blues’ books, Destination Somewhere couples that meandering, layman’s sense of the Blues with Rock ‘n’ Roll swagger.
Bringing together different varying styles the record had the potential to sound mismatched but the likes of eighties style Van Halen style vocals don’t overcrowd the band, with classic licks coming thick and fast along with the occasional Metal flurry perfectly exemplified on “The Fall” as the aperitif before a monstrous guitar solo. Massive have, for their second album, crafted a brilliant meld of genres that lie together yet would be opposing. The likes of Rock ‘n’ Roll call to arms “Sinking Ships” would see many a beer drunk that would fit the perfect soundtrack for any dingy dive bar. If the band are content with meandering along in search for their true destination them count us along for the ride!
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Hungy for the blue note, Massive inject excitement and energy into a fairly tired genre. Reinvigorating and reclaiming the soul of Rock ‘n’ Roll.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard them you can pick up Destination Somewhere here!
