Review: A Little Something For You - Voodoo Six

Ack, sorry about the delay. The life of a student is never easy, ahaha. It is incredibly hard to find the time to doss about like the lazy sod you are when you need to research gothic literature ('Carmilla' by Le Fanu being my favourite traditional gothic story) and learn scripts. And try to remember how on Earth A-level co-ordinate geometry works.
However despite that, I have found time to attend gigs last week. One of which was a spontaneous decision on the part of my dad to go see Albert Lee. Country music isn't normally my thing, but I know when someone is good and damn that man can play guitar.

The other gig was my idea, and it was Voodoo Six, a local rock 'n' roll band that are sadly neglected. This was their first live outing with their new singer, and so it was a bit touch and go and you could tell he was a bit shy at first, but as the set progressed he found his feet, and to be honest, the rest of the band were so fantastic that you sometimes got the impression that the songs were more a conduit for musicianship than a focal point. This might just be due to his being new, as the studio recordings have a slightly more even focus. However, either way their songs are great. Tonight I'm going to be rambling about their latest release: 'A Little Something For You'. Lucky for you guys it's a five-track EP, not a full-length album, so you don't have to read my ramblings for too long.

The Review

So I suppose it ain't exactly easy being in the music business, and Voodoo Six are definitely a casualty of this. Not that they've been majorly screwed over, it's more an ongoing lack of recognition. If you want to know how I found them, you're going to be disappointed because I can't for love nor money remember. (Although money is readily accepted. Love may be negotiated.) Anyway, this EP in its purest form is just the band introducing their modified sound to their fans, with Luke's passionate bark taking over from the previous vocalist who, while good in his own way, had a higher and vaguely more 'glam metal' vocal style that sometimes got lost.

'Live Again' kicks off with one hell of a driving sound. The kind that makes the boozy rocker in my straight-edge kid's heart smile. Luke's vocals are an interesting and enjoyable mix of hard rock, heavy metal and a tiny tweak of grunge. The instruments here are masterful. Backing vocals slightly questionable but easily forgiven. The guitar-work is just delicious. The structure of the song does get a bit repetitive, but in all honesty, I could listen to that chorus many times and still enjoy it.

'Long Way' starts in much the same way, with the distinctive twin guitar and cymbals attack the band seem to favour. However this time the verse vocals are left alone with a throbbing bass and the other staple of rock 'n' roll drumming: kick drum. The whole effect gives the impression of a musical motorcycle revving up. And yes my friends it is turbo-charged and driven by Ghost Rider's brother. Not much differentiating this from the previous track as far as chorus sound goes, but instrumental breaks are where this band excel. Just sit back and enjoy. These guys, as I discovered when seeing them live, seem hell-bent on rehabilitating the guitar solo as something totally unapologetic. These guys are good and they aren't afraid.

'Something For You' is slightly heavier and deeper from the outset, but once again employs the full-throttle charge. However there's a tantalising little riff happening here in the verse, adding texture to the sound. Luke's talent for "yeahs" really comes through. Trust me, it is a useful skill. Lyrically they aren't anything phenomenal, but they're not hideously derivative either. It's forgiven. The chorus here slows and soars nicely. I am tired and will write pretentious imagery. It has to be said, there's a whole new layer in this song in the way it sounds that hooks the listener in.

'Take The Blame' was the first thing I heard by these guys. It starts with a brief a capella bit that is admittedly a slight nonsequiteur (spelling out the window) but works nicely with the overall feel. There's a bit of a Hendrix vibe happening here. Lyrically this actually makes more sense too, so it's definitely a highlight, as well as the rather catchy nature of it as a whole. The whole band are really going for it full throttle here, and it pays off no end. Vocals soulful, guitars controlled and skillful, bass driving and rhythmic, drums crashing and possessing the momentum of several runaway trains. The slower sections (complete with effects pedals) are also well-thought-out and expertly placed, exploding into action perfectly.

As an amateur rock bassist, I have to say the riff at the start of 'Where You Want Me' is the kind of riff I want to have a wild and torrid love affair with. It's easy to learn and sounds bloody good. Whatever he's using for that sound, I want it. The guitars follow this riff once they come in. This is a slightly more bluesy track in its own way, adding to the variety of things happening here. (And it has to be said the Hendrix thing is happening here too.) Lyrically there's a hint of the pseudo-spirituality happening. They're one of those bands who have that kind of thing not in any specific form apart from the worship at the altar of good rock music. Overall, nice little closer.

Basically, this is a bloody good set of songs by a bad who've really found their footing and had a lightbulb moment. Recommended to anyone who enjoys unapologetic guitars, heavy sounds, and fists-in-the-air ROCK.
I believe that 'Take The Blame' is kicking around for free download if you're curious. I shall leave you with two things from the gig I went to:

First up, a video of 'Live Again'. Pretty good as far as youtube quality goes. And you can have a fun game of spotting my hands. Hint: black fingerless glove/armwarmer hybrids, studded wristbands and a camera.


Next up: a photo from aforementioned camera. METAL FACE!!!