The second track 'Fetch & Carry Man' maintains the early pace and is more bluesy. 'Old Flames (Still Burn)' another upbeat song, solid playing and nice lyrics that work well with the melody.

After three tracks with such a distinctive style, the next track 'Two-A-Penny Blues' took me pleasantly by surprise with its Knopfler-esque guitar and vocal style. An excellent song and I love the guitar solo on this one.

'Rollin' Down The Line' is another solid song but not as strong as the opening songs for me and then 'Life's Too Short', a slow number with Country and Western style corny lyrics but with a really superb understated guitar solo.

'Shadows In The Dark' takes us back to the rockier sound and the band seem to have more of their own sound on this number - rockier but without losing the blues feel. The guitar solos on this track are both superb without being self-indulgent, they both work perfectly in the context of the song. 'Little Blue Eyed Girl' hang on, we're racing along now - with that title I was expecting a slow number. This is a great song with a particularly nice vocal treatment on part of this song for a bit of added interest. Reminds me a bit of of Iggy Pop late 70s here.(New Values - Lust for Life era)

'Listen To Me Baby' is another slower number. Very classic blues style. I am still not convinced that this style of song is strong for the Hogs. I can't put my finger on quite why I feel this way but it leaves me cold compared to their upbeat, rockier songs. Do I really need any more songs with lyrics in them that start with "I came home from work the other day …"?

'Brand New Day' has a nice and unusual drum style creating a very interesting sound, a great track. 'Wild Flowers' comes next with an acoustic guitar and a Country and Western sound again, I could imagine Don Williams singing this.

The album then closes with the rocking 'Livin' On Rock' a fitting conclusion to this fine album. So, I think it is pretty obvious - for the most part I preferred the upbeat rockier numbers. The Smokin' Hogs are clearly a very capable band with great musicianship and a distinctive sound, a sound which has its roots in the early 70s British Rock & Blues era - but is still very relevant today. I will make a point of going to see the Smokin' Hogs live next time they play near to Nottingam - I can't say fairer than that!

Simon J. Gledhill
December 1st, 2009