I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Crown, from Eric Gales and it's powerful. Opening with Death of Me, a solid blues rocker with metal overtones. With a heavy drum stamped bottom by Greg Morrow and Lemar Carter this track has real swagger. Gales has never been bashful about throwing heavy guitar riffs out there and this track is no exception. His Jimi influence is ever present but not overtelling, backed by Joe Bonamassa on rhythm guitar, Josh Smith on rhythm guitar and Michael Rhodes on bass and backing vocals by LaDonna Gales. Very cool. I really like soul track, Stand Up with it's radio quality. Gales really shines on vocals on this track with it's super melody and with it's rich bass work and backing vocals by Jade McCrae, this track is strong. Another track with a heavy bottom is Survivor and it's lumbering feel lays open a grand floor for ultra fluid soloing by Gales. A lush guitar chord laden intro on Too Close To The Fire really puts you in mind of SRV's style but Gales music is always Gales music. There is a definite maturity in his newer music with more structure and focused guitar attack. Holding back throughout the track and allowing it to develop, he opens the floodgates and unleashes the beast for a high energy crescendo ala Pink Floyd with female backing vocal by Ladonna. Very nice. I really like Take Me Just As I Am and it's tribute to the super funky Curtis Mayfield like sound. With it's thumping bass and lead vocal by LaDonna and horn backing, this track is terrific! Funky, Let Me Start With This has a great feel with synthesized guitar riffs with great feel. Gales' vocals are strong ... this track could easily be the radio track for this release. I Found Her is a strong ballad with a gentle approach and sensitive delivery but watch when Gales drops the hammer on guitar...dynamite! Wrapping the release is I Gotta Go, a high energy R&B style track that would be a strong closer for a live show. With introductions, and a power punch, this is a hot closer leaving you wanting more. This is my favorite Eric Gales release to date.
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