Genre: ROCK
Released by: Frontiers Music srl
Release date: 23rd September 2016
Links: http://www.raveneyeofficial.com/
Line up:
Oli Brown – Vocals/Guitar
Adam Breeze – Drums
Aaron Spiers – Bass
Tracklist:
- Wanna Feel You
- Come With Me
- Inside
- Hero
- Supernova
- Walls
- Oh My Love
- Madeline
- Hate
- 10. Out of the Rain
- Eternity
Formed in Milton Keynes in 2014 and fronted by award winning singer/song writer/guitarist Oli Brown, this band have been receiving a lot of praise lately and I thought it was high time I gave them a listen, or 10.
Coming relatively hot on the heels of their fantastic debut EP Breaking Out, it’s almost inconceivable how RavenEye have had time to write and produce this album amidst their busy touring schedule. Supporting the likes of Slash, Myles Kennedy and Deep Purple they have been keeping good company and no doubt being schooled along the way.
A quality record all round, with no “filler” tracks to speak of, here are my top picks of what will reel you in and leave you wanting more of the sound that is uniquely RavenEye:
The opening track “Wanna Feel You” transports me straight into a 90’s rock groove – in the best possible way… With a lot of new bands recreating the classic 70s/80s sound right now, this is something that has a much more modern edge to it overall. Excellent guitar riffs, heavy percussion and stunning vocals accompany catchy rhythm and lyrics. There is a cessation of music which you think is an abrupt ending before recommencement with amazing guitar and vocal harmonies. This is 6 minutes and 13 seconds of musical brilliance which grips the listener throughout.
Being one of the heavier songs on the album, “Inside” is a welcome attack on the ear drums. Crude, heavy rock from start to finish, there is no let up on this track and it motors along at breakneck speed until its sudden end.
“Hero” is a track which resonates as so familiar to me – in terms of it sounding very much like someone else and me not being able to place who it is. The hard working rhythm section of Aaron Spiers and Kev Hickman provide thumping bass and pounding drums in perfect complement to the shrieking guitar and crystal clear vocals of Oli Brown, another heavy track, but one which features a little light interlude.
Kicking off with a distorted sound then morphing into a blues/rock groove that strangely reminds me of something very old from the Deep South, “Oh My Love” is undoubtedly my favourite track on this album. The demonstration of musical talent displayed in this song is nothing short of mind blowing, vocals – likewise. When you get this far into the album you can’t fail to understand the hype over this band. This one is raw, charged, energised and on repeat!
The album finishes on a lighter note with “Eternity” marking its humble beginnings as an acoustic piece before transmuting into something heavier. Featuring unbelievable guitar, it still has a softer feel generally which is somewhat in contrast to the other tracks on this release – incredible.
Although I can hear whispered influences of other bands here, they are hard to distinguish. RavenEye have a fresh, unique edge to their sound and masses of talent which will have widespread appeal. Being touted as an exceptional live act, I’m hoping to see them on a stage near me very soon…
Review: Karen Hetherington
Rating: 10/10
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