Incredible Pack - Time For Decisions (CD)

When three rock icons, whose pasts read like a who's who of the German music scene, come together and then dedicate themselves to blues rock, you can expect an "incredible pack." In 2017, guitar genius Andreas Schmid-Martelle, the "German pope of drumming" (US Drummer Magazine) Manni von Bohr, and bassist of international stature Ufo Walter formed a power trio whose music comes out "straight and tough" and lives up to the band's name: "Incredible Pack." "Andreas, Ufo, and I have been on the road in the German scene with various bands for a long time, and we know what we want to play. We are a true, honest power trio who are bringing a breath of fresh rock 'n' roll into the somewhat worn-down pop and rock scene in Germany," Manni explains the band's intentions. And Andreas adds, “Our music is 90 percent rock'n'roll, 5 percent blues and 5 percent funk.”
After their first album, "Packed in Blue" (2020), which could best be described as blues rock made in Texas, their follow-up, "Time For Decisions" (December 03.12.2021, XNUMX), once again showcases a Texas-influenced blues rock that successfully blends classic/hard rock. During the event-free period, the guys have decided to be creative rather than mope around, and are now releasing a second album.
Stylistically, the "Incredible Pack" continues their powerful lineage on "Time For Desicions," and Martelle, with the right songwriting flair, succeeds in creating highly recognizable pieces. He successfully blends several musical styles in individual songs without creating apparent breaks. For example, the initially hard-rocking "Hot Shots," in which Martelle embarks on a path to more hard Texas blues rock with a guitar solo that also fits ZZ Top.

The stylistic diversity is made possible by two masters of their craft, two rock veterans, Manni von Bohr and Ufo Walter, who form a rhythm section that provides a full and truly driving sound. Added to this is the versatile guitar playing of Martelle, who, alongside the rhythm work, regularly intersperses fine solos. "We play music for the ear, brain, and legs, with catchy, energetic songs that are neither trite nor unimaginative," explains Manni.
Analogies to blues greats can sometimes be recognized in the songs, as melodies or solos are cleverly incorporated in a slightly modified way into the band's own song structure, so that the slightly ballad-like "Let Me Be Your Friend" may bring back memories of "Little Wing" for Jimmy Hendrix fans. It is in a way a journey through time through the world of harder blues rock, which also includes grooving numbers like "Sleeping With The Lights On", which would have suited Dr. Feelgood well, and is a good example. Or the hard "Disbelieve", in which the vocals in the chorus already have a Lemmy feel; although Martelle's diverse voice is a touch softer. With "I Don't Think About Her" and "Josefine", there are two bonus tracks on the CD, which are not to be seen as filler in terms of quality, because a CD simply fits more than a vinyl album.
"Time For Decisions" is a self-contained work that, with a fine touch in songwriting and song compilation, will appeal to even die-hard blues fans. With it, the old guard of German rock shows that they are far from being past their prime, but are still bursting with energy. And this energy will soon be evident live on stage with a jam-packed setlist from both albums. "We haven't been able to tour yet, and we haven't played a concert with this line-up yet. But we're absolutely keen to play the program live, and the audience can expect a concentrated dose of 'Rock 'n' Roll right in yer face,'" Martelle explains enthusiastically.
With “Time For Decisions,” the Incredible Pack has made a good decision for themselves and all blues and rock fans – an invitation to really let loose.
(Text: Gernot Mangold/Merle Lotz)

01 Sleeping With The Lights On
02 Hot Shot
03 Disbelieve
04 Practice What You Preach
05 Time For A Decision
06 Let Me Be Your Friend
07 The Crazy Ones Want Me
08 Worse Before It Gets Better
09 I Can't Cry
10 Dangerous Age
11 Don't Think About Her When You're Trying To Drive
12 Hello Josephine