Firebird Double Diamond

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by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

Classic rock with a modern edge – that about sums up the music of the veteran British trio Firebird. Together for more than a decade, Double Diamond is the band’s sixth release, and a reminder that smooth and soulful rock isn’t a thing of the past.

If ever there was a release that was driven by the drums, this is it. Ludwig Witt is an incredible rock drummer who has the uncanny ability to lead the band to wherever they are going without overshadowing anyone. Not flashy like Cozy Powell, Witt’s rhythms are perfectly arranged and supply the true backbone of almost every track, and he really steps to the front during the guitar solos when the rhythm guitar goes away in typical trio fashion. He works hand in hand with bassist Greyum May, who also knows every trick in the blues rock bass rulebook. May’s driving bass also steps up during the breaks and plays very well with Bill Steer’s hooky guitar lines. Steer (Carcass, Napalm Death) is a very solid guitarist and a decent vocalist. His voice is clear, clean and intense but limited in range – well suited to the classic rock style of the album, and he lays down some very complex riffs.

“Soul Savior” kicks of the album with an amazingly heavy groove (and a touch of cowbell) that will immediately hook the listener. “Ruined” follows up with a very intricate rhythm line super slick almost late-70s groove – the bridge into the lead break is filled with awesome drum and bass work. “Bright Lights” has an early Motley Crue feel to it and features a great guitar solo. Kicky bass and drums put “For Crying Out Loud” over the top and make it a real toe-tapper. “Farewell” opens with a simple bluesy guitar riff before settling into a simple but catchy rock groove and a great blues solo.

Fine rapid-fire guitar work in “A Wing And A Prayer” starts off the second half of the disc in style, while “Pound Of Flesh” settles into a nice cowbell-laden blues-rock, almost funk groove. Witt’s drumming is at its most intricate here, while May’s bass talent really shines during the guitar solo. Fine vocals make this arguably the strongest track on the album. “Arabesque” has a bit of exotic flavor in it, with an almost middle-eastern tone to it – and some finely controlled but intense performances by the whole band. “Lose Your Delusions” kicks the energy level back up with some solid rhythms and a simple but effective chorus. Soft acoustic guitars open “Pantomime,” which builds in power into an almost Dokken-esque tone – Steer’s guitar is at its best.

Overall, Double Diamond will be a hit with any fan of late ’70s or early ’80s rock. Fans of old Crue, Dokken, Winger, Warrant or even Cream will be right at home. Nicely mixed and engineered with minimal electronic gimmicks, Firebird’s music is warm and real, and the album comes across as almost live. Well structured songs and solid performances are the heart of Double Diamond. Intense and smoky but always melodic, Firebird proves that there is life in the old power-trio format yet.

Double Diamond is an enjoyable listen, filled with infectious grooves and toe-tapping rhythms – definitely recommended!

Genre: Classic Rock

Band:
Bill Steer (vocals, guitars)
Greyum May (bass)
Ludwig Witt (drums)

Track Listing:
1. Soul Saviour
2. Ruined
3. Bright Lights
4. For Crying Out Loud
5. Farewell
6. A Wing & Prayer
7. Pound Of Flesh
8. Arabesque
9. Lose Your Delusions
10. Pantomime

Label: Rise Above Records

Website: http://www.myspace.com/firebirdblues

Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10