For a long time, the Climax Bluesband has been quiet when it comes to new releases. The current lineup, which after numerous lineup changes no longer has a founding member, is finally giving a musical sign of life with "Hands Of Time" with new songs, continuing the band's more than 50-year history.
The band returns to its proven instrumental structure and its own unique groove. Charismatic frontman Graham Dee captivates listeners with his haunting, slightly scratchy, yet very clear voice. The songs generally have clear rhythmic structures, ranging from blues to rock, sometimes with soulful influences, and are mostly mid-tempo. Interspersed with a few ballads, they can evoke dreams and once again demonstrate the expressiveness of Dee's voice.
The foundation for the compact sound is laid by Neil Simpson on bass and Roy Adams on drums, who have been in the band for over 30 years.
The band's veterans, Lester Hunt on guitar and George Glover on keyboards, bring a special touch to the unmistakable sound. Hunt, with his rhythm work and crisply played solos, avoids unnecessary frills, preferring clear tones, while Glover not only underlines the songs with a soundscape but also impresses with his furious and sensitive lead work on keyboards and piano.
However, the aforementioned Graham Dee on vocals and Chris Aldridge on saxophone and harmonica, who only joined the band in 2012, certainly brought a breath of fresh air to the band. Aldridge, with his powerful saxophone solos, is at times a congenial partner to Hunt on guitar.
Refreshing songwriting, which is based on the band's history, has breathed new life into the Climax Blues Band, which ties in with the band's successful times and will appeal not only to the die-hard fans of the British band.
With "Hands Of Time," the band has certainly delivered an impressively diverse album without any musical filler, demonstrating the band's musical strength and proving that they're determined to get going again. Purchasing the new album will certainly shorten the fans' wait for an upcoming tour and will likely even increase their eager anticipation.
(Text: Gernot Mangold)
01 Ain't That A Kick In The Head
02 Straight Down The Middle
03 What's Your Name
04 Flood of Emotions
05 17th Street Canal
06 Hands of Time
07 The Cat
08 Wrong Time
