DAMON JOHNSON – Echo
- Posted on 28-03-2016
Oh man, I have eagerly awaited this brand new 5-track EP by the brilliant guitarist/vocalist Damon Johnson (Black Star Riders, Thin Lizzy, Slave to the System, ex-Alice Cooper, etc.) simply entitled "Echo", and it pleases me to no end to be able to state that it rules. Why does it rule? Well, for one thing, Mr. Johnson is an awesome songwriter, of that there can be no doubt. If, for instance, you listen to his work on "Dirty Diamonds" by Alice Cooper, his live work with Thin Lizzy, or the Black Star Riders albums, you will see and hear that there is an emotional depth as well as energy and intensity to what he plays and how he plays it.
The five highly energetic and dynamic songs that constitute "Echo" are a pure joy to listen to. The musicianship is excellent all around, and I love the sound and production, which has a live-like vibe to it. Hard-hitting, organic, and punchy, but with mellow passages and somewhat melancholic phrases scattered throughout. Just listen to "Nobody Usin’", which is a perfect example of how to write and arrange a great and varied tune. As to the songs in general, all the riffs and melodies are catchy while the vocals fit the song material perfectly. All five songs rule in their own right, and it is somewhat difficult for me to choose any favorites, but if I had to I would go with "Scars" and "Nobody Usin’", which are musical triumphs in my humble opinion.
"Echo" is quality (hard) rock music through and through, that is for damn sure. Why the fuck are you still here, glancing at this review? Head on over to Damon`s website and order this EP now!