Introduction
Progressive Psychedelic Rock band Pearl Handled Revolver have been busy over their 16 year history. With 5 albums and 2 live albums in addition to it! Today we enjoy their latest offering which is “Tales You Lose”. I look forward to breaking down the hard rock with elements of funk and jazz in this review!
Review
Black Rock
Tales You Lose begins with the mammoth sized track “Black Rock”. This ten-minute opener features a great drum beat paired with an organ-like ambiance from the keyboard. The vocals are delivered slowly and with a gritty texture, while the guitar enriches the overall sound. The chorus is enjoyable, but the intervals between hearing it are excessively long.
“I’ve hit the bottom of the well.”
Honestly, I have my doubts about starting the album with such a long song. While the impressive guitar and keyboard solos do help a bit, overall, the lack of variation makes it challenging to stay engaged until the end.
Heart Of Gold
I really enjoy the slow and groovy introduction of this track; it conjures images of a New York jazz club. With a whiskey glass in hand, simply savoring the evening. The vocals align seamlessly with the song, while the bass and guitar further enhance the relaxed vibe.
The backing vocals near the end of the track provide additional depth. But if I’m being completely honest I don’t appreciate the keyboard inclusion here.
Gilding The Lily
This is the way to use the keyboard! It seems to have more purpose here when used alonside the guitar. It serves as a solid introduction to the song.
“If you are winning you followed your heart.”
This track definitely has a strong jazz vibe. I do wonder though could this have been the perfect song to have featured a female vocalist? Maybe it would have added something completely unique to the album. I’m quite fond of the guitar section around 1:30, which has a wonderfully hazy style that I really enjoy.
Lightening
For a song titled Lightening I was expecting something with much more of a punch! However as the track unfolds it is at a slower pace and something I really enjoy. With the simple drum beat and bass paired with the soft and delicate vocals.
“Whenever you’re broken remember the lightening that made you whole.”
The line above that I have quoted is my favourite lyric on the entire album. Honestly I think it is beautiful. The guitar solo that follows it is exquisite. It isn’t overwhelming but instead draws things together perfectly, reminds me of Dire Straits too.
Courageous
Have I just put on Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix? I’ve listened to this track at least ten times now. That song pops into my head every time this songs opening notes hit. This song only reinforces my belief that I favour their slower pieces. This is due to it showcasing the depth of the singer’s voice much more effectively. I want to give a special shoutout to the keyboard player; their contribution is in small parts here and there. Yet impactful without being overwhelming.
Space Invader
Whoa! This is upbeat and funky! That guitar riff and bass have me completely hooked in. Vocally, they aren’t pushing too hard. But in this case that is what is needed and they perfectly complement the melody. I believe the vocals are precisely at the right level for the chorus.
“Space Invader getting ready to explode.”
I love the sinister styled riff that appears later in the song. It sounds exceptional when paired with the bass. I think this could be my favorite track on the album.
Hammer
This is the kind of sound you might hear during the opening credits of a crime drama set in Miami. The vocals and keyboard seem to clash, each vying for the spotlight, but ultimately, neither succeeds in capturing it. Overall, there’s not much here that spikes my enthusiasm.
Junkies
The track begins on a high note with excellent guitar riffs and powerful drumming. I draw attention to the enjoyable chorus as well. However, that’s where my appreciation ends; it fails to hold my interest, likely because of its length.
Final Thoughts
There is genuinely moments on this album that I love. With the soft slower songs really connecting with me, I think due to the vocal styling. At times the keyboard gets in the way for me rather than enhancing a track. I do however struggle with the length of both the opener and the final song due to length. An element of their music that I adored were the jazz vibes which is something you dont hear too much of these days.Overall though this is an enjoyable album on well enjoyed with a whiskey in hand.
6.5/10
All rights to the songs in this review are retained by Pearl Handled Revolver. This site claims no rights over them. The images were provided by San PR.
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