RAMzine 27 | Avatar, Festival Flashbacks, Sister Shotgun
Usually, at this time of year, our pages are stacked with content from Download, Bloodstock, and Ramblin Man Fair. Most have that one unique story that wouldn’t make sense in any other setting other than a festival. Whilst longing to be in that festival atmosphere once again, watching bands perform the new music they’ve unleashed this year, we took some time to speak with some fans about their memorable moments. Chloe Ozwell frontwoman of rockers Sister Shotgun gives her guide to musicians keeping busy in lockdown; and we take a look back at Funeral Friends 2003 album which we have now dubbed a classic. We also catch up with frontman Johannes Eckerström of theatrical, modern metal band Avatar as they are set to release new album Hunter Gatherer which he says is the bands “heaviest most aggressive album in quite some time”. We discuss the red thread running throughout the album, which ties the tracks together.
Usually, at this time of year, our pages are stacked with content from Download, Bloodstock, and Ramblin Man Fair. Most have that one unique story that wouldn’t make sense in any other setting other than a festival. Whilst longing to be in that festival atmosphere once again, watching bands perform the new music they’ve unleashed this year, we took some time to speak with some fans about their memorable moments.
Chloe Ozwell frontwoman of rockers Sister Shotgun gives her guide to musicians keeping busy in lockdown; and we take a look back at Funeral Friends 2003 album which we have now dubbed a classic.
We also catch up with frontman Johannes Eckerström of theatrical, modern metal band Avatar as they are set to release new album Hunter Gatherer which he says is the bands “heaviest most aggressive album in quite some time”. We discuss the red thread running throughout the album, which ties the tracks together.
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STARMEN<br />
KISS THE SKY<br />
The title of Kiss The Sky may suggest<br />
a homage to the great Jimi Hendrix<br />
(there is a Dylan/Hendrix cover), and<br />
the cover may allude to a certain band<br />
known for their makeup, but Starmen<br />
are all original, in fact, they are a rock<br />
band of some quality that take ‘Snake<br />
and ‘Halen’s best bits with some of<br />
Kiss’s foibles and serve up a fresh<br />
sound at the same time. They wear<br />
makeup in the shape of stars and go<br />
by the names Red, Silver, Purple and<br />
Gold Starman… not hugely original<br />
perhaps but, the musical evidence<br />
is that they are all about good time<br />
rock and this album is a solid listen. It<br />
seems that this originally came out in<br />
2018 and they do have another album<br />
(Welcome To My World) available but<br />
this one is out on July 24th.<br />
Moving past that, opener ‘The Stealer’<br />
gives the perfect meld of those three<br />
bands with a bluesy rock song that<br />
has quality riffs, vocals and solos…<br />
what more do you want? Now for<br />
the dangerous act of the Bob Dylan<br />
song that shone in Jimi’s hands: ‘All<br />
Along The Watchtower’ is a thoughtful<br />
attempt with acoustic guitar and piano<br />
introducing the deft vocals for the<br />
first verse, before swirling Hammond<br />
brings the band in at full tilt. The neat,<br />
new bridge and pedalled solo keep it<br />
interesting and the bass lines are very<br />
clever. No, not as good as Jimi…but still<br />
a bloody good attempt.<br />
‘A Mystery Thrill’ has eastern overtones<br />
before nearly becoming ‘The<br />
Gates Of Babylon’, so add Rainbow to<br />
the list of influences; good song too.<br />
The title track sounds like they are<br />
playing with a couple of Hendrix riffs<br />
and then brought Coverdale into the<br />
vocals with Ozzy and Leppard doing<br />
the chorus! It is amazing and still very<br />
enjoyable. ‘Bad Tattoo’ brings in David<br />
Lee Roth duetting with DC and Eddie<br />
adding some flourishes! The closing<br />
track, ‘A Magical Ride’ is one of my<br />
favourites as it is pure Starmen and<br />
catchy as a catchy thing with a slight<br />
60s psyche feeling pervading.<br />
Forget the Kiss-esqe image and all of<br />
the comparisons: listen to the songs<br />
and decide, it is a rewarding album<br />
that will be getting repeated plays in<br />
this house.<br />
Review by Tom Dixon
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