Maybe it helps that I first experienced this friendly chap’s music at a live performance, where he played with skill and fire and connected with the audience very swiftly with his chat and song intros. But I was also impressed that he was playing with experienced and lively players in his power trio. They were making him work, in a very good way – pumping the sound along and dropping bass figures and cymbal splashes where they counted. Plus he could sing ! So a new album from the man is welcome, especially when we had run a great Q & A with Troy (see below)

20 Questions With Troy Redfern: http://bit.ly/1lE9GPg

On to the tracks, then readers….

Revelator starts with a sonic burst of slide guitar – a TF speciality – evoking a desert town, the we are into the galloping The Brave which blends surf rock with dark Johnny Cash, topped by a throaty vocal. Jelly Roll doesn’t let up with its tumbling Stray Cats riffing whilst I See Love has a fine strutting acoustic-led tempo and a hint of Zep. Cold Light Of Day features energetic slide guitar and a thunderous bass and drums groove.

Ray Gun rocks out with a touch of delay on the axe and a growly vocal ; The Line is more country rock in vibe and might be a Green On Red nod? Ain’t No Judgement Day gives the slide another run-out whilst the hard-rocking Sign Of The Times shows Redfern at his most forceful. On The Skin is much more measured and ethereal in texture, gorgeous slide and very restrained. My Time Ain’t Long has fantastic steady drumming and angry bottleneck over pumping bass.

Time’s Gonna Wash You Away might just be the best song here, it really rips it up and Troy’s voice sounds just right. Has to be my favourite, here. Shine Your Light is more downhome. Born To Lose lets loose a juicy guitar tone via delay and is relentless blues-rock. Walls Are Falling uses an irresistible boogie groove and closes the collection….

Like the great Chris Duarte, Redfern uses traditional elements to forge his own brand of rock-blues. The record is too long imho and couple of more mysterious slower songs would have helped the balance, there again it’s good value for fans and played just like it should be, the last cut being a great example of that

Pete Sargeant

(Thanks Troy and watch this space for US airplay!)