Monday, August 22, 2011



P-A-U-L – Tales From The Gravel (E&E Entertainment).

Think of Kiss mixed with Oasis and you might just about get the sound of The Time Of My Life. It’s all a bit frenetic but it’s a good opener. Forever Young And Free is a crisp funky rocker with a big bass line and a searing solo. Has he made a progression from his first two albums? Possibly, and he has managed to keep that raw edge. Pistol Whipped Again is a grungy Blues Rock with a sleazy vocal from PAUL. This one will grind you into the dirt and the free flowing solo is a highlight. Ghost Of Gun And Fist is a strange title but it turns out to be a simple Blues Rock with a strong solo. Piano ballads such as We Believe invariably turn up on this type of album but this isn’t PAUL’s finest vocal. However, things pick up when he isn’t singing alone but it’s all too long at just under 7 minutes. This could do with a reworking and keeping the best parts which all come towards the end.

Preachin’ Fire promises a straightforward rock approach and that’s what we get. It’s unashamedly of the fire and brimstone kind – if the Wee Frees liked rock then this would be their theme tune! The One is a rocking highlight where a number of styles come together perfectly. PAUL hits the spot and lets loose his guitar. The rhythm section (Joey Spina on bass and Layla Hall on drums) sets up Bite You with a deep bass and rolling drums. It’s like Fred Flintstone rocking out – Yabba Dabba Doo. I’m not too sure about the song but it has some of his best guitar work. The New Machine is another on the funky side. Hall throws everything at it and the verse reminds me a little of ZZ Top’s Cheap Sunglasses but don’t ask me why. Drinks Are On Me is a fast paced Rock N Roll and I’m sure I heard Glasgow mentioned in there somewhere. He tips his hat to Dr Feelgood and the slide guitar suits it very well. If Glasgow is mentioned then the title is not a good thing to broadcast – it’ll cost you a fortune!!

http://www.p-a-u-lmusic.com/
David Blue.

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