MetalTalk.net Review of Blaster (4.5/5)

[Jim The Stimulator]

Although blessed with a long and illustrious career fronting mega bands it can seem that Scott Weiland's extra-curricular activities have somewhat overshadowed his musical contributions but it cannot be denied that there is a reason for his longevity and popularity (44 million albums sold so far).

A possessor of a turbulent and colourful private life and no stranger to headlines outside the music pages the man is also endowed with an ear for melody and an equally colourful observational eye for a lyric. Weiland can transform the ordinary into the extra-ordinary.

That is not to say that his previous outfits Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver and indeed this new crew The Wildabouts fall into the "ordinary" category but Weiland is the one slinking and sliding front and centre commanding your attention.

With a varied collection of solo efforts under his lithe belt already (including an album of Christmas songs!) 27th March sees the release of 'Blaster', a record described by the man himself as "heavy... sexy... furry". There is no doubt that this album stylistically fits into the latter works of STP but it has added fuzz and a dirty retro sound that conjures images of beautiful people in packed clubs getting hot and steamy.

'Modzilla' and 'Way She Moves' set the tone for 'Blaster', dirty riffs coupled with sweet backing vocals and Weiland's unmistakable voice taking the reins. 'Amethyst' is a standout with a dreamy intro morphing into a driving rocker that features a cool echo-drenched guitar solo courtesy of Jeremy Brown.

The other Wildabouts, bassist Tommy Black and drummer Danny Thompson keep things tight but free enough to put groove in these tunes and producer Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) captures the energy and emotion well.

The tracks on offer are all strong and even at its prettiest Weiland's pop nous keeps it on the right side of sweet for 'Blue Eyes' and only dips into the saccharin once on 'Beach Pop'. There is a punk edge to 'Bleed Out' and 'Youth Quake' but once again the Wildabouts steer it away from being derivative.

The PR blurb tells me that Weiland is "reborn" but I just think that may be clever talk for avoiding saying "back to doing what he does best" or the dreaded jinx of "return to form". I wouldn't dare try to pigeonhole an artist but of the many Scott Weilands presented to us in the past this is the one that I prefer.

As alluded to by the cover art of a retro boombox, 'Blaster' is a record that rocks and deserves to be heard LOUD! A couple of covers included (T. Rex's '20th Century Boy' and Bowie's 'Jean Genie') are a nod to the glam influence and a good bit of fun and I'm sure will make an appearance in the live set.

With a one-off UK date at London's Garage on April 9th some of you lucky beautiful folk will be able to get hot and steamy and have a BLAST!

http://www.metaltalk.net/columns2015/20156415.php

[pjstp]

I can't believe this hasn't leaked or that it's not streaming anywhere.

[Jim The Stimulator]

I can't believe this hasn't leaked or that it's not streaming anywhere.

I know, I was just thinking the same thing.  We should be getting a bunch of reviews at least over the next week.

[Sklashboombash]

Can't wait for this.

[sonofthecastle]

It's kinda wrong to copy and paste an entire article so people don't click it.