Albany Down: The Outer Reach Review

The Outer Reach is the third studio album from the London based Albany Down. Paul Turley, Donna Peters, Paul Muir and Billy Dedman have fused into a very tight and powerful band with their own sound and style of rockin’ Blues in the best British tradition. Produced by Greg Haver and recorded at Modern World Studios, The Outer Reach is their best album yet.

The album opens with the epic “Feeding the Flame.” It’s soulful blend of Zeppelin, Bad Company and Deep Purple but with a very modern aesthetic sets you up nicely for the entire listening experience. Peters and Dedman hold down the groove while Turley’s guitar and Muir’s vocal simply soar.  The band shifts gears a bit with the horn drenched “Supersonic Girl.” The groove is so tight that it would make Tower of Power proud. “Mr. Hangman” with it’s dark lyrical theme has a slight southern rock vibe but grooves a lot harder than Skynyrd ever did. The ultra melodic power rock of “Home” will have audiences singing a long with their lighters swaying above their heads. “The Drop” is a bad ass riff with face melting guitar work from Turley and a power house vocal performance from Muir.

A lot of current blues based rock bands opt for a low-fi sound with fuzzy guitars and distorted vocals etc… Albany Down takes the complete opposite approach. Greg Haver’s larger than life production style screams “Albany Down is the biggest band ever!” And in a perfect world they would be.

Albany Down has done something unique. They have embraced their influences in a very overt way, while at the same time carving out a sound a vibe all their own. The Outer Reach contains zero filler. It is simply one great track after another. If putting out records packed with great songs and stellar performances makes you “retro” then Albany Down is guilty as charged.

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Feeding the Flame
– Home
– The Drop
– Mr. Hangman
– Supersonic Girl

The Big Hit

– Feeding the Flame