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So who are Bombay
Black? Well they comprise Erik Johnson (lead vox, guitar and keys), Ty
Sims (Bass, backing vox), “Devil” Jim Perry (lead guitar, backing vox) and
Rob McCauley (drums, backing vox). After releasing two previous excellent
efforts, Mercy and Anger Management, the band have now released the Beau
Hill produced Psycho Magnet and judging by the songs contained therein are
continuing to.
I’ve seen the band
live on two previous occasions, the first was at the Firefest 3 pre-show
where I was well and truly blown away by the band to such an extent that I
bought the first two albums. The second occasion has just taken place at
Z Rock 2008 in Birmingham and once again these guys delivered the goods
and more!!, they were the highlight of the weekend. So what’s the album
like then I hear you say.
Well the album
kicks off with 'The Ride' and after a subdued intro you’d better strap
yourself in cos’ these boys take no prisoners. Some fantastic heavy
riffing from Erik and “Devil” Jim drive the song along. The chorus is
just so catchy, pounding drums and bass courtesy of Rob and Ty. This is a
standout track on the album.
Next up is 'Best
Laid Plans', a power chord frenzy of guitars kicks this one off, the song
just rocks, the pre-chorus has some melodic vocals, and the guitar solo
burns.
The title track
'Psycho Magnet' follows starting off with guitar and keys. The vocal
delivery comes across almost staccato-like, another catchy chorus and some
fret-burning from “Devil” Jim.
Then we’re onto
'Inflicted' with some thundering drums from Rob at the beginning before
what sounds like 50 guitars kick in. This song burns and the chorus has a
70’s vibe to it.
'Knock You Down'
follows with Ty laying down some pounding bass lines to open the song
before the guitars kick in and we’re foot-stomping our way through the
song.
Next up is 'If
Only', the power ballad of the album, with big guitars, big drums and some
soaring vocals from Erik. A fantastic production from Beau Hill on this
one.
The intro to 'SFCR',
that's South Faulkner County Redline folks, brings to mind so many songs
from the 80’s. The chorus is pure Nightranger and listen closely to the
bridge people, you’ll have a smile on your face a mile wide.
And then we’re
onto 'Head Full Of Hate', the bass driving the intro until those
power-chord guitars take over and 'Misery' has a slow burning groove to
it, a grinding rocker with a great melodic chorus.
'Break Up Anthem'
comes across like Green Day/Good Charlotte et al. A punky style rocker
with a catchy chorus and then we’re onto 'What You’re Doing To Me'.
Another song with a groove and some great vocal melodies.
Then it’s another
standout track, 'The Last Time', a mid-tempo rocker, the chorus is
instant. Finishing off the album is the radio edit of 'The Ride' and
other than it doesn’t feature the subdued intro the song is straight-ahead
Rock n' Roll.
Bombay Black
aren't trying to reinvent the wheel, they're just taking their influences
and channelling them into making great rock music. The album has an energy
to it, the vocals have melody as well as an edge, the guitars are full-on
in your face and the rythmn section nails down the backbeat. This album
builds on their previous efforts and thanks to a stellar production raises
the bar (no pun intended) for the band.
*Review by Brassy |
