VANDERHOOF
"A Blur in
Time" (SPV)
"Vanderhoof" (Nuclear Blast)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Vanderhoof once again returns with their '70s Preservation Society button proudly displayed on their lapel. "A Blur in Time" is 11 tracks that showcase the power rock sound that heavy guitars and keyboards can create when fused together.
Featuring ex-members of the '80s metal troupe Metal Church, songs like "30 Thousand Ft." and "Nowhere Train" scream for the days when UFO, Deep Purple, and Uriah Heep ruled the rock world. Successfully capturing the formula for the guitar-laden, melodic arena rock sound, Vanderhoof challenges the attention span and disposability of today's industry standard, and for that alone, they should be lauded.
"A Blur in Time" contains 11 tracks that may sound a bit dated to some, but will raise the spirits of the listener and remind one of the classic sound of hard rock.
For more information visit http://www.vanderhoofband.com
"Vanderhoof"
(Nuclear Blast; 2000)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Some things must be said right away: this is not Metal Church. Kurdt
Vanderhoof's self-titled side solo project plays more like a heavily influenced Deep Purple album than the classic thrash of
Kurdt's main band. Vanderhoof cranks out solid, respectable hard rock - and it's
very radio friendly stuff I might add.
Only "40 Days Down" and "Out Alive" come remotely close to matching the intensity of Metal
Church and are worthy of a headbanger's attention. Both of these songs could easily fit on some
power metal CDs that are rampant on music store shelves these days. "Take To The Sky" is a
splitting image of Deep Purple classics. The impassioned "Beg" may be the best track on the CD.
Wide use of acoustic guitar is also employed to make the CD a bit more colorful and richer than I
thought it could be. At least the 'ballads' avoid clichés. Also, some tracks hint at a
Southern vibe, too ("50 Cent Symphony" is an example). An invigorating cover of Deep Purple's "Burn" rounds out
the baker's dozen on this CD.
The vocals hint at the soulful mourning of Chris Cornell without any grunge aftertaste. I also detected a bit of the tone of Perry Farrell (believe it or not). A bit annoying was the heavy use of flanger and psychedelic treatments of the vocals on many of the tracks.
Unfortunately, I found some of the melodies and overall impact of this CD to be less than memorable. Fans of Deep Purple, Trapeze, and Montrose, however, will love Vanderhoof.
"Vanderhoof" was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof.
Vanderhoof is Kurdt Vanderhoof on guitars, Damon Albright on lead vocals, Kirk Arrington on drums, Brian Cokeley on organ and piano, and Dave Hawkes on bass.
For more information visit http://www.vanderhoofband.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Revised: 14 Jun 2020 15:11:02 -0400.
