Barrence Whitfield - Under The Savage Sky
8/10
It feels like Barrence and his band are still a well kept secret and that’s a cryin’ shame. His 2014 Norwich gig was one of the year’s very best, and with this new album he has raised the bar even higher than his previous, excellent Dig Thy Savage Soul release. Every track drips with 60’s garage rock attitude, which in turn harks back to the birth of 50’s rock ‘n’ roll. The formula is deceptively simple – fast paced songs containing a smokin’ lead guitar break and an equally ferocious sax solo, all topped off with some larger than life vocals from Barrence, either howling at the moon or displaying severe emotional pain. Highlights are everywhere – Willow is a straight outta the trap opener, The Claw is filthy (musically speaking), Rock ‘n’ Roll Baby makes me want to snort whisky while Adjunct Street and Full Moon In The Daylight Sky slow things down brilliantly, adding real soul to the mix. Barrence Whitfield & The Savages will be gracing us with their presence once more this October. Frankly we don’t deserve it, but I implore you to buy a ticket and help to make this brilliant group one that everyone has heard of.
8/10
