RADIO MOSCOW - Radio Moscow (Alive)
Whether by design or accident, Cream is written all over this debut album by Iowa duo (read: 20-something-year-old guitarist Parker Griggs and a string of musical partner/s) Radio Moscow. Be it in the extended solos, inventive basslines or mellow yet soulful vocal, this stuff doesn't so much imitate the Brit power trio but recall it with its own updated spin. Make mine psych blues with a wah wah twist.There 10 tracks here and most clock in at around four-and-a-half minutes or thereabouts. Guitarist and vocalist Griggs and bassist Luke McDuff recorded the tracks with multi-tracked drums from the former.
The story goes that the pair relocated to Colorado in search of drummers McDuff without a lot of success, had their demo's noticed by Alive talent scout Dan Auerbach and laid down the album proper before McDuff bailed to go back to college. Griggs recruited a replacement (and a drummer for live work) and the beat goes on.
On to the album. Chunky, psych rock blues. It's not innovative but it is the stuff that should be blazing out of radios all over the developed world. "Radio Moscow" is not the tour de force that was "Disraeli Gears" and nor is it as beholden to the blues masters as E.C. and Co were in their heyday, but in a world where 99 percent of these jams take some beating.
At times, Griggs' favourite words in the world appear to be "wah" and "wah" so if you're not into expansive soloing on almost every track, look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you're happy with expressive guitarwork that sometimes makes Neil Young sound economical, you'll be as happy as a pig in poo.
Melody? Hooks don't exactly hang heavy in the air and a cut like "Deep Blue Sea" is as standard a blues work-out as anything you're likely to hear on a contemporary record but sometimes both those shortcomings can be strengths. Exhibit A is right here. "Ordovician Fauna" is the exception to the rule with its finger-plucked Eastern modalities. Ravi Shankir, anyone?
Did I mention Auerbach's production is clear and crisp? I will now.
Bluesheads will lap it up. Guitar psych fans too. Word is a second album is in the pipeline. It'll be interesting to see where that one goes. - The Barman
