Black Star Riders, The Killer Instinct (Nuclear Blast)
Now on to the bands second album I will spare you the history lesson on how they came about (Check out previous album here). With the band putting out a great debut album there may well have been pressure to make that difficult second. But the band have all done this before so it really is with full expectation that this is good.
This listener is happy to report it is as good as it should be, classic rock music with that Lizzy sound. The title track is a great all out rock radio staple. Very much a nod back to the live sound of the band and catchy as can be. With great lyrics it is a great catchy tune.
For me "Bullet Blues" kicks this album off to a real new start as it showcases how great Ricky Warwick is on the mic. Oh his voice is never going to make it on X Factor and thank fuck for that. He simply lets it all be as it is. Great guitar work all round with that classic twin guitar sound getting a right good old dust off for 2015. "Finest Hour" really reminds me more of Mr Warwick than the late Lizzy but that is why this is working so well. The band know each other so well and the little riff over the chorus is amazing. I can see this being a great live favorite.
The album is not all out rock and riff as "Blindsided" enters with some nice acoustic guitars and not too cheesy at that so keep the cigarette lighter away for this tune. With this song you get an idea of how good the production is. Spot on and the band are better for it, playing it on my new Fiio X1 it sounds great. Later songs "Through the Motions" and "Turn in Your Arms" will get Thin Lizzy fans smiling, "Sex, Guns and Gasoline" for me is more a tribute to the 80s rock bands. Title and sound wise it reminds me so much of GnR, I was never a fan but it is a fun tune.
Last song "You Little Liar" is the longest tune at just over seven minutes and it shows how good the album is as it passes by so fast.
This album is solid in every way and a great second album all fans will like.
8/10
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