Albany Down, Born In The Ashes, album cover front

Review: Albany Down ‘Born In The Ashes’

By Mike O’Cull

UK blues/rock crew Albany Down put a sophisticated, contemporary vibe through their influences on the group’s newest album Born In The Ashes.

The record is set to make an impact September 1st, 2023 on the AD Recordings imprint and shows Albany Down to be a trio with a huge sound and no shortage of ideas. Longtime Albany Down collaborator Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals, INME) produced the sessions at the legendary Rockfield Studios where eternal rock icons Queen recorded “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The band, which is made up of founding member Paul Turley on vocals and guitars, drummer and backing vocalist Pete Hancock, and bassist and backing vocalist Ben Atkins, has made four studio albums with Haver so far and their creative partnership consistently delivers high-value results.

Albany Down has been showing fans the way since their debut album South Of The City came out in 2011. Since those early days, the band had earned a 2013 ISC award, won the 2016 UK Songwriting Competition in the Best Rock Song category, toured the UK and The Netherlands, and built a solid reputation and a loyal base of fans. AB is one of the most compelling power trios on the scene right now. It wouldn’t surprise anyone who has heard them to see this new effort blow up around the world and launch Albany Down to the top of the charts.

Born In The Ashes starts off with the edgy “Always Want What You Can’t Have,” which is an anthem for all those people who are just never satisfied. It kicks off with a hard riff over a stiff pulse but evolves into a soaring chorus with an extra-large hook. Paul Turley is an absolute beast on both guitar and vocals and is capable of making things happen with an ease that’s downright heroic. His vocals are bold, his lyrics are intelligent and inventive, and his guitar playing will make you jealous. Turley’s tone, note choice, soloing, and riff construction are all fully realized and he’s better at all of them than most of his competitors. Factor in the ultra-solid rhythm section of Hancock and Atkins and you get the sort of band that one doesn’t run across every day. If you love real rock music, you’ll be on the hook before this first tune is over.

“Always Want What You Can’t Have”

 
“Good News” is an uptempo, urgent rocker with a “Stone Free” groove to parts of it. The song is about being overwhelmed with the constant stream of negativity the news media puts out and needing to hear about something positive. The entire band turns up their intensity on this one and you’ll be able to feel yourself being pulled along. Turley’s lyrical litany of stress inducers adds ever more pressure and his performance here is outstanding.

The Motown-ish “Same Damn Thing” is a hit waiting to happen. It’s a song about being stuck in a world of worry that never seems to let up. The Uppercut Horns add their magic to it and the core band grooves hard. This is a track that’s going to hit a lot of people where they live because we’ve all been stuck in a rut. There’s a catharsis to its beat that should be therapeutic and provide some healing, however, provided you turn it up and dance.

The title track, “Born In The Ashes” gets heavy but never turns into metal. The opening is right on the edge, though, and it puts Albany Down’s fighting spirit up front for all to witness. Hancock and Atkins construct a massive pocket that serves as a launching pad for Turley’s voice and raging guitar licks. It’s not for the faint of heart but it sure feels good.

Another peak moment is the punchy “Kingdom Of The Blind.” AB never seems to run out of rock and roll energy and reels off one tune after another that are guaranteed to get people on their feet. The unusual harmonies on the middle vocal section just make everything seem cooler.

Other highlights include the riff rocker “Don’t Look Back” and the somber “This Heavy Soul.” Every song on Born In The Ashes is worth devouring and Albany Down’s unique take on the idea of blues/rock is one the freshest you’ll find these days. Give this a few spins and let the music work on you.

Albany Down website