5 of 5 Superb!, January 24 2007
Reviewer: Norman Darwen
This Anglo-Dutch three piece based in the north-west of England are classified as ‘blues-rock’, having the classic power trio line-up of vocals/ guitar (Mark Koehurst), bass (Piet Koehurst), and drums (Terry Shaughnessy), an obvious late Sixties sensibility (covers of Richie Havens’ Woodstock anthem ‘Freedom’ and Leonard Cohen’s ‘Bird On The Wire’ are two of four non-originals on this set) and there is a readily apparent Jimi Hendrix influence - Jimi’s ‘Gypsy Eyes’ is one of the other reworkings. Such a unqualified definition is uninformed though; listening to this CD (and their earlier releases) reveals a band with very original ideas and a sound unlike anyone else around at the moment. What goes around comes around too – the apocalyptic sleeve, the scorching and forthright attack ‘Letter To Bush’ and the anti-war and eco-concerns of the title track are bang up-to-date relevant. Musically the set opens with a couple of minutes of raw, down-home, John Lee Hooker styled guitar work before the rhythm section kicks in; ‘Freedom’ is next, hinting at the direction Hendrix might have taken had he lived to pursue his interests in funk and jazz. Mark also seems keen to explore these directions (the band’s previous album was entitled ‘Blue Funk’, of course) whilst keeping to a blues-rock approach. The cover version I haven’t so far mentioned is the Tina Turner’s ‘Nutbush City Limits’, a real stormer which works far better than expected! ‘Mind Your Own Damn Business’ is a soul styled shuffle, the nearest thing to a 12 bar on the CD. Despite the references to Hendrix in this review, this is no tribute or rip-off act; rather he provides a well-known reference point for the band’s individuality and desire to avoid the obvious. If you want other comparisons, check the subtle vintage Peter Green inflections of ‘Fallen Angel’ or the Ray Davies styled vocal of the title track – or think Jeff Beck. What comes across most strongly though is the idea of a band unwilling to play to the gallery but wishing to follow and develop their own musical pathways. That makes them worth listening to; that they do from an exciting and adventurous blues base makes it even better!

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5 of 5 The real sound, May 7 2006
Reviewer: Gilles Blampain
What a record! Blues,funk, soul, the real sound! A great CD by one of the best british bands of the decade. 10 original songs by Mark Koehorst and 4 covers, Freedom by Richie Havens, Gypsy Eyes by Jimi Hendrix, Nutbush City Limits by Tina Turner, Bird On The Wire by Leonard Cohen, all with a great feeling and the Giles’ touch. Beware of the spell: if you listen to Dancing With Dolores, you’ll wish to do it again and again. Great musicians, good production, high quality. It’s a must! Gilles Blampain

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