A debut album of Hammond-soaked, guitar-marinated rock is always welcome and now, with their self-titled debut album about to hit the virtual shelves, Rook Road are bringing their unique take (or diversity rock as they call it) on the genre to the world.
This German five-piece have extensive experience in other bands and together Patrik Jost (vocals), Uwe Angel (guitars), Hannes Luy (Hammond/keys), Sebastian Mitael (bass) and Thomas Luther (drums) combine that vast experience into classic rock influenced modern rock.
The opener, ‘Talk Too Much’, sets their stall out with Purple-tinged heaviness, it’s melodic, riffy, Hammond-y and, with the neat guitar solo, ticks all the right rock boxes. ‘Sick To The Bone’ could be a Doogie era Rainbow song; ‘Sometimes’ is the obligatory ballad being piano led with power to back up the emotive lyrics. ‘Paradox Master’ has a glorious drum and bass backing the straightforward melody but, as the tension builds, the Glenn Hughes hints show their influences, but that doesn’t hide their ability to write and play original, quality rock.
‘Kinda Glow’ is a Heep-ish masterpiece as guitars rejoice in weighty riffing behind the melodic and powerful vocals. ‘Celebration/Feels Like’ has swathes of Hammond decorating the backing as the laid-back verses blend with the weighty main riff and the wah guitar solo is really well constructed and, although the hammer-ons and bends are there, there’s absolutely no unnecessary twiddling.
The closing six-minute epic, ‘Egyptian Girl’ starts gently with soulful blues and builds layers of sound that complement each other and the song gives Patrik plenty of room to shine as his extensive range is explored to the full.
This may be a debut for Rook Road, but the experience and abilities of the whole band shine through on every track. On first listen, some may think it a little derivative but it is not. Subsequent listens prove this is original heavy rock rooted in the 70s but very much for today.
Rook Road is out on 11th November via SAOL/CMM.
