THE ANSWER – Sundowners | CD & Festival reviews

Here’s a band that I haven’t only followed since their debut Rise in 2006 but loved dearly as well. Six albums out and not a weak song in sight. The band’s take on raw, edgy and robust 70’s Classic Rock completed with hooks, hooks and more hooks where the melodies shine and holds an instant catchiness is right up my alley. But it was seven years ago that the band released their last album Solas, an album that took the band into somewhat different territories, an experimental album, an album that was a bit hard to get into but when it stuck, man did it stick! Since the band said in interviews for that record that if they didn’t took a few steps up success-wise with that album they’d probably had no other choice than to split up, that if they hadn’t become big after six albums they probably never would it left me a bit worried.

Solas didn’t break the band like they’d hoped and the fact that years went by without so much as a breath of life I thought that it really was over – especially since singer Cormac Neeson went out on a solo route. It saddened me lots because well, I love The Answer. Luckily enough the news that my second favorite Irish band (Thin Lizzy really can’t be topped, now can they?) was back in action and would return with a new record in 2023 spread back in 2022 and your truly was again a majorly happy camper. As a fan, it was a bit nerve wrecking to give the album its first spin. What if they didn’t deliver the goods this time? What if the reunion would fail? Fingers were crossed to put it mildly.

The opening title-track makes me both sigh in relief and make me go YEAH! It turns out that The Answer most likely won’t let me down. It’s a long tune, over six minutes in mid-tempo. A ballsy move but it sure works. It opens with a long intro that adds a bluesy harmonica before it picks up a beefy groove with a pumping rhythm. The distorted bass and the smoky, raspy voice of Neeson gives the tune an organic and raw edge. It’s a bluesy stomper that takes a somewhat monotone structure without a big, uplifting chorus. That said, it’s still brings on a distinct and memorable melody and it’s a magnificent track.

Leading single, “Blood Brother” is a highly energetic and firey stomper, guitar driven with a rough edge and a kicking attitude. The tune holds a rowdy, fat riff that brings my mind to the earlier days of the band, gritty and dirty with 70’s Classic Rock swagger but also a slight nod towards 70’s British Glam Rock. It’s made for the stage and the chorus is absolutely brilliant. Also upbeat and uptempo, “California Rust” comes kicking on a straight forward rhythm structure and blends rowdy guitars and biting organ Jon Lord style. There’s a bluesy twist to the song which takes me back to the debut and the infectious refrain is simply terrific. This is killer.

With a slight glance at 60’s rock “Want You To Love Me” comes with a driving groove where the rough and robust guitars and bouncy beats goes more early 70’s Classic Rock and melody-lines that flirts with Rival Sons. It’s a rhythmic powerhouse with a raw outlook but there are female backing vocals that gives the tune a slight Gospel touch too. The stand-out chorus with catchiness deluxe is The Answer in their prime. Damn good. “Oh Cherry” comes in a slower pace and is carried by a bluesy rhythm with a big groove that’s even danceable much due to the funkier and driving bass-lines. The harmonica comes back and here and there I hear a slight The Doors influence. The melodies brings out the hooks and the chorus hits like a hit to the jaw. Great.

Taking a bluesy route, “No Salvation” is a semi-ballad of sorts, Gospel infused with an even folky touch that brings along a hot groove even though the song holds a slower tempo. There’s a slight Rolling Stones touch to the song as well and the fat organ gives the tune a roar and the harmonica takes the blues-vibes even further. The chorus is a monster, sing-along friendly and uplifting with a distinct, juicy hook. Brilliant. In-your-face and straight ahead, “Cold Heart” is a distinct Classic Rock stomper with both edgy riffage and pop-hooks. It’s energetic and firey with a flirt with Americana and Southern Rock that at times reminds me of Blackberry Smoke. It’s a terrific, live-friendly crunch-rocker with another powerhouse refrain. Good one indeed.

“All Together” is insanely groovy, live-friendly and electrifying with a swing from the most rumbling days of the mid 70’s. It’s short and concise with an almost danceable beat, pumping bass-lines and a rough-edged and crunchy guitar that takes no prisoners. Every melody hits like a ton of bricks and without going hit-searching, the chorus sticks right from get-go. Great. The single “Livin’ On the Line” is carried by a stompy and punchy beat with a raw guitar that screams and bites. The call and response parts will be perfect for summer festivals and the gang-vocal chorus hits a pop-vein that sticks like a tattoo with its immense catchiness. Splendid.

With some funky, infectious rhythms the super-groovy “Get Back On It” brings out a fierce live-vibe and sounds as it was recorded live in one take. With big, striking melody-hooks that makes you wanna crack-open a cold one (or ten) and a refrain more contagious than Covid this song is a massive winner that could make even the most grumpy, dull dude/dudette smile and dance. Awesome. The album ends with the acoustic guitar laden slow-burner “Always Alright”. It’s mellow yet on the rhythmic side, it’s held-back, smooth, bluesy, a bit folky and holds a dreamy vibe with a good flowing rhythm. However, the song ends with a bang as it takes a bouncy and upbeat structure with big, slightly gospel-influenced vocals and memorable melodies. Very good.

It feels good to state that with album # 7 The Answer hasn’t lost their mojo at all. The experimental lust that was so apparent on Solas has been shown the door and the classic The Answer sound is back. Not that there was anything wrong with Solas but truth be told I prefer them like the groovy, crunchy Classic Rock band they started out as and that’s what we’re given here. If this will be the step up that the band has hoped for with each album remains to be the seen but at least they have proven that they are still a brilliant Rock band that still can write edgy and rocking songs with shitloads of hooks. If this sounds just the least interesting then do them – and yourself – a favor and check them out because it’ll be a win-win situation. Welcome back – and please stay!

8/10

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