The Holy Goats - Next Round (2011)

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The Holy Goats - Next Round (2011)

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Here we finally have a young band staying true to the soul-powered '70s with blues-based heavy guitar, strong dynamics, and groove-induced riffs in the spirit of Humble Pie, The Black Crowes and Free. The songs are top-notch, soaked in the essence of cool retro-rock. Fronted by Todd McCullough (guitars, vocals) with Pete Scott (guitar), Bob Willow (bass), Glenn Sorino (drums) and featuring Daphna El Roy (backing vocals) the band make a huge statement in the eleven tracks that fill Next Round. "Something To Tell You" kicks the disc off in style with twangy feedback and a fundamental drumbeat that lends itself to McCullough's mid-range timber. The guitar work is blues-based forged in old school British rock – emotive and peppered with exotic spice. There's even a bit of Cry of Love in tracks like "Homesick Blues", the rootsy mid-tempo ballad "Look Inside" and the grinding "What You Do To Me". The latter utilizes the sex-appeal of the guitar and vocal in a simple, hypnotic groove while the lyric "the way you tease me with your sharp tongue / you're gonna get a lickin' before your done" leaves a memorable impression.

With repeated listening, it's hard to believe this is only the band's second release as the songs are so refined, crafted and catchy – sounding as if its aged 40 years before surfacing. The lyrics borrow from the innuendoes first fostered by Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson. It gives the record another stamp of authenticity and enjoyment. Also pulling from the blues is the push-pull of songs like "Temptation" and the start-stop tension found in "Time To Recall" where the vocal duets with the riff. The raw nature of "Within Reason" and "Every Time We Meet" find their soul in the slide guitar. Both start with a band conversation before the 'take', bringing the listener in and establishing a rapport with the audience. The same technique was often used by Grand Funk Railroad and Humble Pie. Speaking of Pie, "Marriott Soul" pays fitting tribute with lyrics "ninety-nine pounds is a lot of soul, filled with black coffee and sweet rock and roll." A favorite is the staccato riffing of "The Deeper You Look" with its Hendrix groove and a rhythm that locks in with the bass. This Jersey quintet may have white skin but their soul is black. Highly Recommended!

~ Todd K. Smith

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The Holy Goats - Next Round (2011)

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The Holy Goats - Next Round (2011)

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