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Artist: Phil Vincent |
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Well, it was going to happen one day wasn't it. That 'one man band' releases his 12th album 'Controlled Insanity', then we find out it could well be his last due to illegal downloading and the state of the economy. Fortunately he may be going out with a band instead of a whimper, as the album has hard melodic rock written through it that won't let anyone down who's given their time to his music. The instantly likeable 'On Your Own' has killer riffs that shows Vincent at his best on all instruments bar lead guitar, where Steven Albanese gets to shine, and 'waiting' is a cracking rocker in the same mould, as good as you'd want to hear anywhere. 'Why', with its constant pace blazes through, as Vincent sounds as if he's attacking his drum-kit to the death, not letting up for one moment. So it's a blessing for it when 'Carry On' slows the proceedings down. This keyboard themed ballad has William Roux on lead guitar, where he brings the song down to end on a firey solo that seems to last an age, but is worth its weight in gold for the track. To say 'something About You' is a real solo song is like saying grass is green or marmite is really that bad, as Vincent is on his own here, playing all the instruments as well as all vocals, though not all at once I'd better add. He ain't that good!! There seems to be a tale behind 'Life Goes On', verging on someone being lectured about getting their act together or fall by the way where they won't be missed if they do. It's all rather sad musically as the keyboards sound cold and uncomforting, even the guitars don't lift the gloom. Maybes a bit close to home for Phil? The second of four '"solo" tracks 'Part Of Me' rocks its way into the harder 'More Than Nothing', again things could be aimed at the way things have gone sour within the industry for Vincent. "I thought about giving it up, throwing it all away, start all over again on a different day. I've seen so many fall without a thing to show, spend their lives giving their all 'til they hit the ground below". Speaks volumes really doesn't it. 'Should Have Known Better' has the piano as main feature, sounding like an early Queen album track, as the guitar takes second place for once, the solo has echoes of Brian May in the way its used, but its back to basics on 'Tell Me Again', where the bass rules the roost to being with before everything else kicks in on this smooth rocker. "It does exactly what is says on the tin" sums up the final track 'Controlled Insanity' perfectly. Starting as if all hell has broken loose on the instruments, a strange keyboard enters things as Vincent sounds as if he's begging Lucifer for advice, adding to the weirdness that's going on. It makes you wonder what exactly is going through the man's head at this time. It is literally insane when an artist such as Phil Vincent has possibly got to give up what they love because of the state of the industry as it has become and also personal expense. One question that should be answered is why, in this country, can't rock DJ's on radio, use part of their day time shows to help promote these people instead of playing the "same old, same old" that we constantly hear? Don't they care?? Good luck to you Phil, you deserve better. Review by: Bob |
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| Tracklisting:
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On Your Own |
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