The New Groove – Quit Bitchin’ (Own Label).

Recording your debut album at the legendary Rockfield Studios is not something that every band gets to do and I feel that The New Groove has missed a trick here. The album starts well with hints of John Lee Hooker and ZZ Top on the boogie laden eponymous title track. Ben Curtis’ gravel voice is well suited to this but it becomes too affected on later tracks. If he can sort out his vocal delivery then they have the chance of reaping some rewards with their second album and if he can turn in a vocal like that of the chorus of Injustice more often we would be in business, especially when it is linked to strong guitar playing from Steve French. Other notable tracks are Give It Time with its Dr Feelgood influenced chopping guitar and the sleazy (in a good way) Money. Rip It Up is harmless Rock n Roll with French’s guitar ringing like a bell, just like Chuck says and Shovellin’ Dirt is almost there but lack of vocal range just lets it down despite harmonica keeping the songs head above water. There’s some good fluid harp on the smokey Blues, If I Had To Leave but an over the top vocal spoils it.

There are some green shoots in here but you have to look hard to find them.

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David Blue.