Gethsemane Rose
Tattered 'n' Torn
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Here's a British import that recalls the earlier days of Pure Metal. Remember the Light Force and Force 3 albums? Taking a straight-ahead blues rock approach (heavy rock-a-billy?), the band comes off as a bit fun, but vocalist Ben Mears doesn't compliment the band nor the songs well on this outing. With a good producer (creative coaching), Ben's vocals could sound dynamite, but this recording sounds as if he didn't breathe properly or have confidence.
These songs, like "What's Wrong," "Baby" and "Jimmy's Luck," pack a punch of sassy attitude. It's just too bad the vocals don't translate enough of the same attitude. A year or so of hungry touring in clubs may have made the attempt more authentic. The exceptions to this are the standout cut "This World," with its heartfelt melodic leads and slightly different vocal approach -- sounding like The Alarm's Mike Peters; and "Thorn." When the band slows it down a bit and then chooses to kick in, they rock their best.
The other best cuts are: "Shady Dealings," with its loud wah-crazy guitar and moody harmonica; and "Find The Time." Lyrically, the album could almost be a concept album about a few down and out "losers" who need to "win" with Jesus. The album art is done by Rodney Matthews, who did the two Seventh Angel covers.
I'm looking for a killer second album to step up to the plate and deliver the likes of Aerosmith and Bride. They're currently working on one with new drummer Steve Russell, so if a label picks 'em up, we'll see!