The much anticipated and long-awaited third studio album is here. I can tell you it is packed with all the quality you would expect from anything that Steve Overland is part of. On this, he uses his finest Paul Rogers voice as he and Steve Morris (guitar) Chris Childs (bass) Steve Mann (keys), and Simon Kirke (drums) create the feel of Bad Company, which is only to be expected with Kirke on the sticks.
Morris excels with great feel flowing from his fretboard, Mann provides some luscious layers from his keyboards, Childs provides the subtle rhythm that holds the songs together. Obviously, Kirke provides the perfect pulse that the music is built around giving it an authenticity and identity.
Overland is delightfully restrained with his delivery and remains one of the world’s greatest vocal talents. How he does it I don’t know, everything he touches just oozes class. How with so many projects his voice copes is a thing to marvel at, I am just glad it does. FM is surely a priority, but he manages to convey the magic through everything else he touches.
As for the songs that fill this album, I can only guarantee that if you have enjoyed Lonerider’s previous outings you are going to love this. Deep into this record, you get to ‘Back Behind The Wheel’ which has a ZZ Top feel, that is sprinkled with keys and topped off with those exquisite vocals. Throughout it deserves to be heard live and not just be a studio record or another addition to the collective discographies of those involved. ‘Actions Speak Louder Than Words’ so to see these songs performed live would be a moment of magic. Will it happen? Who knows but we can only live in hope. Three records in we can only believe it is ‘Getting Closer’! Which is the first single and video off the record. It is a passionate ballad wracked with emotion and power.
Most the songs are mid-tempo with a Bluesy feel, with the occasional slower number. It is clear that Lonerider have a musical template and ‘Down In The Dust’ delivers that excellently. A special mention must go to Steve Mouser (producer) and Khahil Turk who keeps this music alive.
It is just a shame my version didn’t come with the three vinyl-only bonus tracks.
‘Down In The Dust’ is out November 22nd courtesy of Escape Music.
Review: Paul Mace
Track Listings
| 1 | Shiver |
| 2 | Three Steps Back |
| 3 | Getting Closer |
| 4 | Help Me Brother |
| 5 | Gypsy of the Highway |
| 6 | Brokendown Town |
| 7 | Mystery Man |
| 8 | Cool Hand |
| 9 | Back Behind the Wheel |
| 10 | Long Game |
| 11 | Actions Speak Louder Than Words |
| 12 | All Fired Up |