Whenever I receive an album for review with a title that screams (for Vengeance?!) ‘cover version,’ that track is played first, regardless of running order. When the track is from the rock/metal masters Judas Priest, I approach with trepidation and try not to let the performance colour my opinions of the rest of the album.
So, when Australian band Nobody’s Fool’s latest release, Time, came through and the closing track was ‘You Got Another Thing Comin’,’ I pressed play on track eleven: they preserve the riffs and somehow make it the same but different and, very wisely, do not try to emulate Rob Halford or KK/Tipton solos… instead they reverentially put their own identity on it, although the silence then ‘radio’ fade confounds at the end. They pass the test however and I am now ready to hear the rest of the album. First impression is that they are not just metal: they’re heavy for sure, and on the (sort of) 80s rock of ‘Cherrie’ they use a voice box to great effect (and not just for effect like many, but for emphasis…neat.) ‘So Wrong’ is like hair metal ‘Snake mixed with Sweet and Ratt. ‘Time’ is Priestly again. ‘One More Lie’ successfully brings heavy prog to the mix. ‘Cry For Me’ is the obligatory acoustic-led ballad, saved by a couple of excellent guitar solos and a genius bass line. ‘Smoke And Mirrors’ is a stand out for me with the intricate drum patterns and the made for the stage chorus.
As a follow up to their self-titled debut, this is high-quality rock and roll… it may not be earth-shatteringly new, but they convey skill, energy and enjoyment on every track and beat a lot of their contemporaries into pulp.
Time is out on 12th January 2024.
 ‘cover version,’ that track is played first, regardless...){kind=link}