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Travelin Jack: Commencing Countdown

(Melodic) Heavy Rock

4.0/5.0

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SPV/Steamhammer
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 30.08.2017

No, it's not "throw back" Thursday. It's Wednesday, and don't call Germany's Travelin Jack a retro rock band. They certainly don't see themselves that way. Guitarist Flo "The Fly" Kraemer has said, "There's nothing retro about our material, we simply prefer the sound of the era when this music was really wicked." The arrive with their sophomore album, Commencing Countdown on the German label SPV/Steamhammer.

Travelin Jack

So what is the "wicked" sound and era of Travelin Jack? With their face paint and costuming a cross between David Bowie and KISS that would be Seventies heavy rock. Expanding that sound a little more, you'll hear a touch of blues, psychedelic, and space rock in their style. Toss in Alia Spaceface's barely understandable Janis Joplin wailing vocals and the band's use of earthy and warm analog recording, the Travelin Jack sound is made complete.

From these things, the songs bleed sharp and abundant riffage, sweet and spicy guitar solos, and a deep and rich rhythm and groove from the bass and drums. If these tunes can't get your heart rate pumping and your feet moving, you're probably close to comatose. Mostly, Travelin Jack rocks heavy with fire and groove. Some of the best rockers come with uber-catchy opener Land Of The River, the groovy riff line of Keep On Running, the bit spacy Galactic Blue, the quick-paced Journey To The Moon. For some serious blues groove, you'll find it within the laid back What Have I Done, where you can actually understand Alia Spaceface. All in all, with Commencing Countdown, Travelin Jack makes classic Seventies style heavy rock fresh and vibrant for the new century. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

All in all, with Commencing Countdown, Travelin Jack makes classic Seventies style heavy rock fresh and vibrant for the new century. Recommended.

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