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VOODOO SIX
Songs To Invade Countries To

Spinefarm (2013)
Rating: 6.5/10

Considering these guys were given the main support slot for Iron Maiden’s Maiden England 2013 European tour, I expected something far more exciting. Voodoo Six are a London-based British rock act who have released a couple of albums (2008’s First Hit For Free and 2010’s Fluke?), and while they are very accomplished musicians I hear nothing here that will enable them to stand out from the crowd.

Of course, many will disagree when I state that Songs To Invade Countries To is a bland offering, but reviews are about opinion, and this platter really is a no frills affair to say the least. Sure, some bands don’t need an image to heighten their status, but I believe Voodoo Six need something more in their armoury.

For a start, while the music, with its bluesy tinge, is clearly influenced by all manner of classic rock artists, it fails to deviate from its path. Instead, the music sticks to a selection of middle of the road stompers, opening with the trudge of ‘Falling Knives’ which reminds me of Detroit rock act Dirty Americans with its direct, punchy structure.

Vocally, Luke Purdie isn’t afraid to bare his soul. His rough tones litter the album, giving the opus an attitude that reeks of denim ’n’ leather. But with a horde of bands attempting that classic 70s and 80s metal feel, I’m desperately seeking something that glimmers in the dark.

‘Sharp Sand’ is another clattering mini-anthem that gallops into the room on the twin guitar attack of Matt Pearce and Chris Jones, and in Joe Lazarus the band clearly have a warhorse of a drummer whose style is best suited to this bruising style of hard rock.

Even so, Voodoo Six tend to drift off into mediocre dinosaur rock all too often, although they are clearly comfortable in this groove. ‘Sink Or Swim’ is a simmering little number that, like so many other tracks on the album, eventually shifts into a mid-tempo plod. Admittedly, this is my favourite track on the record, but there’s just something so formulaic about it all, and the chorus doesn’t really stand out despite the doom-laden guitar chug that caresses Purdie’s gnarly cries of “When the ship goes down, you either sink or swim”. At times this record has the feel of a lead balloon.

Despite my criticisms, Songs To Invade Countries To does have its moments. ‘Stop’ rides in on a funky bass and grunge-laced groove, while the mood is lightened with the ballad ‘Lead Me On’, which comes complete with strings and subtle arrangements.

‘Brick Wall’ showcases the bands bluesy influence, and again it’s another muscular rocker featuring driving guitar and solid drums with a strong 70s feel to the proceedings. Tony Newton is an impressive bass player who adds extra weight to the album, but despite the mammoth grooves on offer here which are injected with some swaggering solos, I could think of far better records to invade countries to.

For me, since the departure of original vocalist Henry Rundell in 2009, Voodoo Six have stepped into the realms of the generic, and while the band have become a mature monster one could argue that they’ve lost their fresh-faced energy, instead opting for standard dynamics in their quest for hard rock domination.

Of course, I wish these Brit rockers the very best for the future, but Songs To Invade Countries To just doesn’t live up to the hype.

Neil Arnold

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