Europe Bag of Bones Review
I have been a fan of Europe
right back to their first release in 1983 and after living with this cd on
constant rotation for the last 2 weeks I have to say that I do believe this is
their finest release.
If “Eden” was the starter
this is the main course. As the mighty riff of cd opener “Riches To Rags” comes
belting out of the starting gate this is a band making a statement.
Going back to their roots of
classic 70’s rock elements of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Whitesnake and UFO
come to the fore. Huge riffs, pounding drums and bass, Hammond organ and vocals
to die for.
Working with producer of the
moment Kevin Shirley has taken it to another level with a deep sound where
every instrument has its place creating a soundscape few can match.
If you think of Europe of a
ballad band you will be disappointed as riff after riff hits home. In fact only
the short orchestration prelude “Requiem” and last track “Bring It All Home”
bring the pace down.
3 minute opener “Riches To
Rags” says it all. Huge riff from John Norum and a solo to match. He really
does shine on this cd and his partnership with Joey Tempest on vocals is just
stunning. Huge drums and patterns from Ian Haugland with John Leven on bass and
Mic Michaeli adding the depth to every song.
Recording the songs one after
the other till they were finished and mainly on live takes finally gives the
sound that anyone who has seen the band live over the years knew what they were
capable of.
Next up is the first single
“Not Supposed To Sing The Blues” which I rave reviewed here recently. Nothing
has changed to my opinion if anything this is where the band are in 2012 and
the interplay towards the end of the song between Joey and John is quite
magical.
“Firefox” again hits hard
with a huge riff and drum patterns and a swirling Hammond riff before the song
settles into a stabbing riff before a big chorus and riff hammers home. The
song then quietens to an Eastern near sitar riff before the epic guitar solo. Always
melodic never just about how many notes he can play. Always trying to take the
song to another level.
This song has at least 4
different riffs in it and the ending has with hits huge drum patterns could
have come from a Black Country Communion song. Kevin Shirley’s influence!!
Next the title track which
starts with an acoustic intro and some great slide guitar from guest Joe Bonamassa
before it changes pace with another huge bouncing riff and which I’m sure will
be a crowd favourite on the upcoming tour!! Brilliant! And a solo from John
that I’m sure Joe would have loved to have played.
The band use the light/heavy
shades to the music so well as they know it hits hard and draws the listener in
and you never know where it is going next.
The short orchestration piece
“Requiem” leads into “My Woman My Friend” which starts with a piano and Joey
vocal showing off his range before the song veers off tangent to a slow heavy
riff which Tony Iommi would approve off!!A real surprise as you think ballad. Some
great interplay with John’s extended solo over the last minute of the song with
Mic’s Hammond really coming to the fore.
“Demonhead” is another fast
paced heavy guitar and Hammond riff led song that again will be great live. The
last minute or so again has huge Hammond swirls, drum patterns with Joey
putting every last ounce he’s got into it.
“Drink And A Smile” could
have come off a Led Zeppelin cd with its stripped down acoustic feel with Joey
showing off some real soulful vocals.
“Doghouse” was debuted on
last years “Balls N’ Banners” tour and its studio counterpart with its catchy
riff is another excellent song. Joey really shines and shows his voice has got
better with age and again Mic’s Hammond sound underpins the song. John adds
extra solos all through the song and it really has a live feel to it. You can’t
help wanting to clap your hands along to the slower part too!!
Just when you think that it
can’t get any better “Mercy Me Mercy You” bashes you over the head with yet
another huge guitar and Hammond riff over another Haugland drum pattern. Wow!!Joey
lets it all go and produces a vocal of the top quality. Again a short slow
section drags you in before bang the band come back in and blow you away. The
guitar solo is wonderful before another band ending with everyone jostling to
be heard!!Another live favourite I’m sure!!
Final song “Bring It All
Home” is the ballad you have expected all along. A gentle song showing off the
band that has recorded a real balls out rocker of a cd but can still tell a
story. Some excellent guitar fills before a quite exquisite guitar solo that
shows off John’s technique to the max.
Over the course of 40 minutes
Europe have produced a quite brilliant cd that should be huge. Anyone who like
heavy rock should buy it.
Every band member produces a
top notch performance and Kevin Shirley has done a marvellous job of catching
the band at their best.
Ever better than “Eden” this
should continue their ascent back to the top of the pile where they belong.
Album of the year!!
