Nothing short of ear-candy; Rock-candy that is!
Alright! Get ready to Rock - with absolutely a capital "R"! From the opening blast, one can tell that this foursome are veteran live musicians, despite their actual age! 'Master Plan' – cut one on 'Across The Divide' (the group's second effort) – will become a stage staple. The interplay between Nick Bowden, Danny Rigg, LD Morawski, and Paul Bowe sets up an instant groove. A groove that just Rocks out to the heart!
Twin guitars, thanks to Bowden and Bowe propel each number and sit securely in the "pocket" created by the driving rhythms of bassist Morawski and drummer Rigg! Yes, grooved-out Rock; listening to '...Divide' reminds me of a super-tight jamming band that sets to the stage and takes control.
Even their slower paced Bluesy songs have them perfectly mixing their instruments together. This coupled with the heart-filled soaring renderings of Bowden's vocals allows you to have a complete Rock experience with each song! Guest keyboardist Justin Shearn just adds the shine to this Rock-filled set!
The whole of the album sounds like it was recorded straight off the floor! Produced by both the band, and Jon Green, I wouldn't be surprised if the process included a lot of analogue methods, there's such a warm sound to the overall disc.
'Across The Divide' is huge – in sound and in talent. Talent that you will definitely want to hear live. Steeped in American Blues with the sensibilities of British Rock, these four English Blues Rockers lay down big slices of Rock the way it should be laid out! Listening, we hear each instrument – every nuance and every breathless singing note! As is on this record, it surely will be on stage, sounds that will be rollicking and rolling into each other.
On record and on stage, 'Federal Charm' paint a canopy of musical emotion. Nothing short of ear-candy; Rock-candy that is!
Bruce E.J. Atkinson