Alligator Stew - A First Taste Of

Alligator Stew is a classic southern rock CD drawing on the grand traditions of the genre - great guitar, harmonica, steel guitars and a healthy side order of country. Kicking off with the fabulous 'Blood Money', a song so good they did it twice (once electric, once acoustic), Alligator Stew show themselves capable of turning their hands to all aspects of great southern rock, rawking like maniacs on "Two Wheels", bringing it on down on "Mad Dog Saloon". If you insist on strapping on your boogie shoes, the 'Doesn't Really Matter' will have you struttin' your stuff.

An excellent release drawing on the template laid down by the seventies masters, but with a full on modern production. And nice to see the de rigeur facial hair tradition being upheld:-)

NOTHING 2 DECLARE - "As We Are"

Nothing 2 Declare is a UK 4 piece alternative rock band with blues and grunge influences.
Their first 6 track CD 'Frozen Child' was released at the beginning of this year and gigs and radio play followed including 'Alchemical Radio' and I am indebted to Tim and Terri for sending me the band's latest CD to review.
First of all, I have to say 'As We Are' is an improvement on Nothing 2 Declare's first release- the material is stronger, the production better (The vocals and guitar sound are improved immeasurably) and generally the band play with more confidence. This is nowhere better demonstrated on the lovely ballad 'Fallen Angel' with some subtle guitar playing by Glen Alder and Richard Green, a sensitivity nearly matched by the corresponding track on 'Frozen Child', 'From The Inside'. (Well worth checking out)
The strongest composition on the CD for me is the longest track 'Ranvier' (clocking in at nearly 6 minutes), a blues rock extravaganza sounding a bit like a grungy Led Zeppelin with Glen's solos carrying the number along nicely.
'Cycle' begins with a memorable bass line from Mat Stone with Joe Gardener-Lowe joining on drums and the song has a warmth and familiarity about it that says a lot for the way the band is progressing. Another well constructed guitar break from Glen brings to mind great UK blues rock bands of the past like Free and Ten Years After.
The CD ends with another longish track (and certainly the heaviest one) 'Amber' with its insistent 'Bo Diddley' rhythm.
'As We Are' bodes well for the future of Nothing 2 Declare.
Contact:

(White River Records)

(Phil Jackson)