Reviews
John Vermilyea – Blues Underground Network
I don’t know what is with all these 2 piece bands sending me their CD’s, but I am sure glad they are doing it, especially since just receiving and listening to one hell of a good Album by The Strats titled “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”.
Once I started listening to “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”, it was not hard to see why The Strats are hailed as one of “Irelands Foremost Blues Band”. This is one tight band both vocally and instrumentally, one that reminds me a bit of Dire Straits, Motorhead, Steve Forbert, and a few others, all supported to perfection with their unique rendition of Blues Rock.
“Falling Off The Edge Of The World” is very easy to listen to and don’t be fooled, it would be very easy to find yourself wanting to play this Album over and over again, especially with the way they masterfully mix up their Tracklist, letting vocals dominate some songs and instruments dominating other parts.
“Falling Off The Edge Of The World”, while I wouldn’t try to fit it only into the Genre of Blues, it does have it’s moments and what they offer that leans more toward rock does not take away from this Album, actually it compliments its all the more, especially when Will Ludford lets his guitar loose. It takes you back to when guitars ruled.
All in all “Falling Off The Edge Of The World” is a very fine piece of work, one sure to please fans of Blues, Rock, and that mellow part in between.
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
Tracklist
1 You Better Stop
2 Addicted
3 I Don’t Love You Anymore
4 You Blew Me Out Of My Mind
5 Door Of Faith
6 Standin’ At The Station
7 Falling Of The Edge Of The World
8 Soul Digger
9 Some One To Love
10 Torpedo To Your Heart
Will Ludford - The Strats
Alan Candy – The Luton Hereld
As with John Lee Hooker, sometimes it’s good to know what you’re about to get musically.
It’s the same with rock duo The Strats, who enthusiastically combine Fender Stratocaster and keyboards again in their latest album, Falling Off The Edge Of The World (Holy Grail Records).
The Strats don’t need much analysing. Irish lads Will Ludford (pictured) and Nigel Brannigan get a full-blooded rock sound from just two men and two instruments – no bass or drums, just plenty of drive, some electronic wizardry and pretty much non-stop rocking from start to finish.
You know they’ve been around for a bit when you discover they have met, work and performed with some of the world’s greatest artists, including George Harrison, Tiny Tim, The O Jays and Jimi Hendrix.
The first two tracks, You Better Stop and Addicted follow on seamlessly from each other – hardly surprising since they are both in the same key, with same rhythm. Imagine Status Quo with keyboards and you won’t be a million miles away.
The boys slow it down and get into a minor key for the more soulful I Don’t Love You Any More then, hold onto your hats, where hoppin’ and boppin’ again with the catchy, singalong You Blew Me Out Of My Mind.
Door Of Faith is an example of The Strats at their best – slow and cool with more poetic, Dylan-like lyrics. When they get serious, they’re can actually get quite deep, even if it seems to go against the grain for the fun-loving pair. Ludford also plucks a straining Fender solo out of nowhere here that’s worth getting into.
The Strats turn more bluesy with their Robert Johnson-flavoured Standin’ At The Station – and isn’t there a rather majestic Clapton-like guitar lead in there somewhere?
The pair keep things moving along steadily with Falling Off The Edge Of The World – a rather sobby, sentimental ‘50s-style ballad, the title track but certainly not the album’s highlight.
Soul Digger gets Ludford and Brannigan back on track with what they like doing best with the rollicking Gold Digger – kind of Arabian Nights meets The Doors.
Someone To Love reminds me of the Velvet Undergound for some reason, with its ‘70s driving rhythm, then we’ve arrived at the end of the rollercoaster with Torpedo To Your Heart – certainly the CD’s hot spot, with its spiky, offbeat rhythm built on a single, irresistible riff that permeates the track from start to finish.
Sometimes mawkish, often corny, The Strats are hard to dislike, simply because you know this is two guys who are no spring chickens having fun, doing what they like best and often hitting the right spot. Long may they rock.
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You can purchase Falling Off The Edge Of The World online from the shop page of their website or from most leading providers.
Alan Candy – The Luton Hereld
A rock band without a bass? A rock band that’s acually a duo?Meet the twosome that sounds like a threesome with a unique recipe for a good-time sound that proves irresistible to those curious enough to go there and find out. That’s The Strats – a name not dissimiliar to a certain iconic brand of well-known electric guitar made by Fender – comprised of hard-working Will Ludford and Nigel Brannigan, who have just cut their first album, Warriors of the Night (Blues of the Night) As you’ll see from their album sleevenote pictures, these guys have been around the block a few times.
The more active role is played by versatile Nigel Brannigan, who handles vocals and TWO keyboards – knocking out bass on one and lead breaks on the other. In previous incarnations he has backed up names like John Baldry, The Equals and The Tremeloes. Making up the other half of the Irish-based blues rock band is Will Ludford, whose extraordinary skills on the Strat out-Jimi Hendrix in terms of wah-wah and speed – sometimes he plays so fast the notes just become a blur.
So what’s Warriors Of The Night all about?
In short, the sort of exuberant rockin’ blues that should be in ever car glovebox as a must-have. Think Mark Knopfler, mix in some Hank Marvin, Chas’n’ Dave and a blend of influences spanning everything from ’50s to ’70s.
“She’s a Danger Zone” is a stand-out track that would hold its own alongside any Rock ‘n Roll classic. You Can’t Go Back”, a happy look at past times. Warriors Of The Night is pure Dire Straits territory and there’s even a catchy, soulful gospel number, “God Loves Everyone”, chucked in for good measure. Get rockin’!
