Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Taking time away from what you love is not an act of sabotage or surrender, it is chance to reacquaint yourself with the feeling before the beauty was initially gazed upon, as the sun rises and falls so we must find ways of seeing the new opportunity to explore as one of increasing our depth of knowledge, so that when we do return to that which gives is meaning, we have something fresh and different to talk about.
It is fair to observe that The Answer have been away from the conscious of the music lover for a while, indeed seven years have passed since the last studio release of Solas, and in that time music has once again moved on, their own rock filled genre has taken on new heroes, and yet with the sweeping gesture of pleasure incarnate in their new album, Sundowners, the produced and mixed Dan Weller release, what comes across is that of instant gratification, a return that might have been unexpected, but one filled to the brim with glory and passion.
Whether in the form of the album title track and opener, Sundowners, California Rust, No Salvation, Livin’ On The Line, Blood Brother, and Oh Cherry all leaving their almighty mark on the soul of the listener, and what a forceful sense of appreciation for the return of the band the fan will undoubtedly feel as they insist the music washes over them in what could be considered a clean and fruitful reintroduction.
This new insight could have only come from taking a step back, and whilst seven years could be seen by some as excessive, if that is what it took to bounce back with a sense of outrageous belonging, then who are the fans and the music lover to disagree or vent anything other than congratulations.
With relish this is The Answer many have been looking for, in Sundowners there are no more questions, just a simple, powerful, seismic return; the answer is forthcoming.
The Answer release Sundowners on March 17th via Golden Robot Records and 7Hz.
Ian D. Hall