THE JOKERS
I've been sitting on this album for a few weeks now, as the original release date of June was put back to September thanks to the band signing a major deal with SPV. What that has allowed me to do is to really let the sophomore album from The Jokers work its magic, sinking into my subconscious and, cutting to the chase, 'Rock 'N' Roll Is Alive' does exactly what it says on the tin. I first saw The Jokers support Hawkwind and they impressed me enough that I bought their debut album 'The Big Rock & Roll Show' on the spot. That album is great; it got some fantastic feedback and the band do indeed put on a cracking live performance but, rather than go down the safe route and deliver another album of similar sounding material, The Jokers have been very clever with album number two and have delivered a much more cohesive, laid back and mature sounding collection of classic rock that is reminiscent of Free, Bad Company, AC/DC (circa Dirty Deeds & Powerage), Thunder, Black Country Communion, Led Zep and, in a couple of instances Journey (at their rockiest). It may only be just over thirty minutes long, but what a fabulous thirty minutes it is!
'Silver City' opens the album and has an immensely catchy chorus but it lures you into a false sense of security because it's not until the title track hits you next that 'Rock 'N' Roll Is Alive' really does come alive. Vocalist Wayne Parry has the perfect voice for this music, coming across as a combination of Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant and Steve Perry and he is ably backed up by Paul Hurst (guitars), Simon Hurst (bass & keyboards) and Chris Poole (drums). However, reading their Facebook page, it does look like a new drummer, Dan Evans, has literally just joined the ranks. Songs are short, sharp and very sweet and are full of diversity and tempo. 'N.Y.C.' is my current favourite and has a very Styx and Journey vibe, especially in the verse. Andy Macpherson of Revolution Studio has done a grand job of production and Tim Young at Metropolis Studios in London has mastered the album. Together they have given The Jokers a punchy, modern sound but one that is live, raw and that echoes days gone by. It has to be said that I'm also a fan of the cover art with its references to Jimi Hendrix and Bon Scott.
This is classic rock so you mustn't expect originality. All of these riffs have been heard many times before, but... and it's a big but, it's the combination of these particular musicians that makes the songs stand head and shoulders above so many of their peers. Every song feels familiar without actually copying anyone, The Jokers certainly know how to write a good melody you'll soon be singing along, with your trusty hairbrush, as loudly as the neighbours will allow you to. As I've also said many times, and I'm sure will say again in the future, when it's done this well, who cares about originality? The Jokers have certainly put a smile on my face!
'Silver City' opens the album and has an immensely catchy chorus but it lures you into a false sense of security because it's not until the title track hits you next that 'Rock 'N' Roll Is Alive' really does come alive. Vocalist Wayne Parry has the perfect voice for this music, coming across as a combination of Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant and Steve Perry and he is ably backed up by Paul Hurst (guitars), Simon Hurst (bass & keyboards) and Chris Poole (drums). However, reading their Facebook page, it does look like a new drummer, Dan Evans, has literally just joined the ranks. Songs are short, sharp and very sweet and are full of diversity and tempo. 'N.Y.C.' is my current favourite and has a very Styx and Journey vibe, especially in the verse. Andy Macpherson of Revolution Studio has done a grand job of production and Tim Young at Metropolis Studios in London has mastered the album. Together they have given The Jokers a punchy, modern sound but one that is live, raw and that echoes days gone by. It has to be said that I'm also a fan of the cover art with its references to Jimi Hendrix and Bon Scott.
This is classic rock so you mustn't expect originality. All of these riffs have been heard many times before, but... and it's a big but, it's the combination of these particular musicians that makes the songs stand head and shoulders above so many of their peers. Every song feels familiar without actually copying anyone, The Jokers certainly know how to write a good melody you'll soon be singing along, with your trusty hairbrush, as loudly as the neighbours will allow you to. As I've also said many times, and I'm sure will say again in the future, when it's done this well, who cares about originality? The Jokers have certainly put a smile on my face!
LABEL:
FORMAT:
SPV
Album
ROCK 'N' ROLL IS ALIVE
Review by Rick Tilley
RUNNING TIME:
32:58
RELEASE DATE:
2nd Sept 2013
TRACK LISTING
1) Silver City
2) Rock 'n' Roll is Alive
3) Radio
4) Blood of Ox
5) Night Driver
6) Let it Rock
7) Find My Way Home
8) Sky Line
9) N.Y.C.
10) Bring Your Love Back to Me
11) Dr Rock Head
2) Rock 'n' Roll is Alive
3) Radio
4) Blood of Ox
5) Night Driver
6) Let it Rock
7) Find My Way Home
8) Sky Line
9) N.Y.C.
10) Bring Your Love Back to Me
11) Dr Rock Head
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"...rather than go down the safe route and deliver another album of similar sounding material, The Jokers have been very clever with album number two and have delivered a much more cohesive, laid back and mature sounding collection of classic rock..."
