I first heard this at Chris Tsangarides' studio with Dave and various others, a splendid evening and a powerful experience to hear it at full volume. With pre/post and travelling commitments over the last few weeks, I've not been able to get a review together till now, for which apologies.
In my view, the new album has some of the strongest lyrical content there's been on a Strawbs album for a while, the result of Dave's trip to the World War I battlefields in Europe, which has led to the central "Pro Patria Suite" included on the album, whilst current concerns with the state of the military (lack of gear for soldiers) feed into the track which follows "Where Silent Shadows Fall".
Tsangarides' production is EVEN better than on the previous album, Broken Hearted Bride, particularly on Cousins' vocals, which are kept front and centre where they should be, so that the lyrics are beautifully audible. Chas and Rod, as ever, keep the Strawbs engine room up to full steam, and Lambert adds some very impressive guitar work throughout. And Oliver Wakeman makes his presence felt for the first time on a Strawbs album - some great piano, organ and other assorted keyboard touches, without overpowering the other elements in play.
All in all, a magnificent collection of Strawbs songs with which to celebrate their 40th anniversary in style.
Check out Dancing To The Devil's Beat extracts for download
Advance purchasers (using Witchwood Records Online shop ONLY) can buy the album as a package with the Acoustic Strawbs DVD from the Rick Wakeman shows at Hampton Court on 1/2 May. If you buy before 12 JUNE 2009 you get you name included on the packaging of the album, and a signed photo of Dave Cousins writing the lyrics of the album. Purchasers after 12 June will not get their names in the album, but will get the remaining components of the package.
Visit Witchwood Records Online Shop to get this fantastic new album.
Check out the Reviews page.
David Cousins - Vocals, Guitar
Dave Lambert - Vocals, Guitar
Chas Cronk - Vocals, Bass
Rod Coombes - Drums
Oliver Wakeman - keyboards
with
Ian Cutler - Fiddle
Vince Martin - Harmonica
Deal bandsmen - Cornets
CD (UK): (Witchwood Media, 2009).
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