The South London trio have released their first full length album since 1987's 'Young And Free'!
A comeback album will usually fall into
one of two camps. There are those where the artist has attempted to
revisit former glories, writing material that borrows from their
earlier work. Not ideal, obviously, but at least it's somewhat safe.
Then there's the more problematic approach, where the artist tries to
keep up with the contemporary scene, drawing influence from younger
acts. This is invariably an embarrassing exercise, simply because in
the process a group tends to lose whatever it was that endeared them
to the public in the first place.
Occasionally, a band returns from a
lengthy period away with a recording that avoids either of these
scenarios. This Time is one such album. Those who love the
records that Rock Goddess made in the 1980s should have no
trouble relating to the songs on offer here. The Turner sisters still
sing and play with the same verve, but they have been confident
enough to take their music forward. And throughout, we hear the
stylistic elements that made their original output so vital.
By way of introduction, the listener is
greeted with the unmistakable voices of Jody and Julie, previewing
the chorus of opener 'Are You Ready?' in striking harmony. It's a
marvellous sound, and one that we are to hear plenty of during the
next thirty-six minutes or so. Then we plunge into a different realm
with 'Obsession'. It's dark, edgy, ambitious - and it works. Next,
'Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right' takes us back to the Goddess style of
the early years. If anything on the album recalls the raw energy of
the band's debut, it is this.
As a trio, Rock Goddess have always
thrived on great ensemble playing. But individually there is a lot to
dwell on, too. Julie Turner's drum performance is supremely
confident, and Tracey Lamb - recently departed, to be replaced by
Jenny Lane - delivers bass lines that are as adventurous as her
earlier work. Best of all, the voice of Jody Turner has lost none of
its authority, unafraid to traverse the full emotional range from
tender to furious.
One of the strongest moments must
surely be 'Calling To Space', a hooky, dynamic and immaculately
arranged composition that boasts impressive vocal variation. But then
there's 'Flying To See You', a slow burner with yet more thrilling
harmonies, or the anthemic title track, or indeed the outstanding
closer, 'Drive Me Away'. What is clear is that despite the enormous
changes in recording technology since Young And Free in 1987,
Goddess have managed to retain their integrity. This album was some
time in the making, and the results speak for themselves.
Pre-order This Time on vinyl here at Cargo Records - due out 06/09/19.
Upcoming Gigs:
*Saturday 31st August - The Tivoli Venue, Buckley
*Sunday 1st September - Exchange, Bristol
*Wednesday 4th September - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
*Thursday 5th September - The Waterloo Music Bar, Blackpool
*Friday 6th September - Òran Mór, Glasgow
*Saturday 7th September - Yardbirds, Grimsby
*Sunday 8th September - The Robin 2, Bilston
Saturday 21st September - Heavy Metal Maniacs Festival 2019, Netherlands
Friday 4th October - Fatfest 2019, Swindon
*With Heavy Pettin'
Keep up-to-date with Rock Goddess news at: www.facebook.com/Rockgoddessrocks
Writer: George Colwan
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