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Exciting. Vibrant. Fresh but in a familiar way. All three descriptives that sum up quite nicely the second album from Norwich rock-blues outfit Bad Touch, who will be once again playing The Chester Live Rooms in November. Oh, yeah, there’s another one that should be added … Fun, with a big fat capital ‘F’.
The influence of Lynard Skynard and their like is clear from the off, but probably never more so than on the debut single from the album, 99%. Mixed by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer Chris Kimsey, this is a song that is simply joyous. Its lyrics smacking of a modern day Slade and belted out by the imperious Stevie Westwood, it is the guitar work of Rob Glendinning aided and abetted by Daniel “Seeks” Seekings that makes it the storming, catchy live bait that it’s sure to become.
Things mellow out with Waiting For This, but the pace and energy never drops. The track’s rawness and vitality shining through, enhanced as it is by the rock solid beats provided by George Drewry on drums and Michael Bailey on bass.
Heartbreaker, Soulshaker is 2 minutes 51 seconds of blistering, bawdy, ballsy blues rock guaranteed, again, to have the crowds on the band’s upcoming tour with Massive punching the air with delight, whereas Take Your Time – a soulful, angst filled ballad to rival anything conjured up by David Coverdale in his pomp – will have those self-same revellers reaching for their loved ones to hug up to.
The balance of Truth Be Told is as refreshing as it is enjoyable. The mixture between out-and-out rockers such as the opening One More Night and mid-range bouncers like Under My Skin is sometimes difficult to achieve, but here is done so with aplomb. It’s feeling of wholehearted completeness providing an extra injection of ‘oomph’ that so often goes missing.
Made To Break – again mixed superbly by Chris Kimsey – is set to be the second single from the collection and is, arguably, second only to the outstanding Outlaw as the top track. With its deep south, bluesy style and tale of isolation that bleeds out of the speakers, Outlaw reeks of class and is a potent portent of what this band are all about.
With Halfway Home already safely stored away, Truth Be Told sees Bad Touch come of age. A classic rock blues album that’s as engaging as the band’s live performances, but with all the comforts and cuddles any truly decent rock album should include.
Great stuff, indeed!
Bad Touch
Truth Be Told
Audio CD
Label: The Cadiz Recording Co.
ASIN: B01M0VL9QG
2 December, 2016.
PR Rating: ***** Foot-stomping, Head-banging Brilliance
Pre-order on iTunes – http://apple.co/2doS9ae
Pre-order on Amazon – http://amzn.to/2cKt8ZA
TRACK LISTING
1. ONE MORE NIGHT (5:07)
2. 99% (3:49) *
3. WAITING FOR THIS (4:56)
4. UNDER MY SKIN (3:30)
5. HEARTBREAKERSOULSHAKER (2:51)
6. TAKE YOUR TIME (4:36)
7. LET THE SUN SHINE (2:10)
8. MY MOTHER TOLD ME (4:18)
9. OUTLAW (4:31)
10. MADE TO BREAK (3:37) *
11. HEALING HAND (4:22)
12. THE MOUNTAIN (4:18)
*Radio remix by Chris Kimsey
Bad Touch co-headline with Massive at The Chester Live Rooms on November 22nd. Full Tour details are:
Ebbw Vale, EVI Saturday 19 November
Cannock, The Station Sunday 20 November
Bristol, The Exchange Monday 21 November
Chester, The Live Rooms Tuesday 22 November
Manchester, Factory251 Wednesday 23 November
Huddersfield, The Parish Thursday 24 November
Leicester, The Musician Friday 25 November
Sheffield, Corporation Saturday 26 November
Bridgewater, Cobblestones Sunday 27 November
Basingstoke, Sanctuary Live Wednesday 30 November
London, The Dome Thursday 1 December
Trecco Bay, Planet Rockstock Saturday 3 December
Lowestoft, The Flying Dutchman Friday 9 December
Beccles, The Angel Friday 23 December
Norwich, The Brickmakers Friday 30 December
Dereham, The Cherry Tree Saturday 31 December
Bad Touch Facebook – http://bit.ly/2dCCS7d
Bad Touch Twitter – http://bit.ly/2doUDWi
Bad Touch Official website – http://www.badtouchrocks.co.uk/