BARRACUDA

'Barracuda' is what the band refers to as a mini-album, so it's an EP, though it is over 30 minutes long. It was recorded in 1999, but released in 2001. It is comprised of songs recorded at the same time as the album 'Let Them Eat Cake', but were left off of that album. I believe the reason they were left off of the album is because they are more rock oriented, thus they did not quite fit with the songs on the album. Whatever the reason, this is a total rock out album, and it's good.

It starts out with 'Heartbreaker', which is full bore rock and roll, with heavy guitars, and fast tempo, hard driving beat. You get a nice brass section with it, and the amazing gruff vocals. Straight ahead hard rock that will make you want to 'bang yer head'. 'Up 'Gainst the Wall (High Time)' has similar sound to 'The Who', with a killer guitar solo. 'Star Star Star' has a good guitar riff accentuated by 'Chicago'-style horns, but the chorus is very repetitive vocally, as the title insinuates. 'Vanishing Point' has shades of early 'Blue Oyster Cult' with a driving rhythm and a slightly eerie feel. The instrumental break has a features a rocking guitar solo followed by a great electric piano solo. 'Rattlesnake' is rather weak in the verses in the vocals but the bass rocks.

The last two tracks are longer lasting around 7 minutes each. 'Dr. Hoffman's Bicycle' starts with guitar that is reminiscent of 'The Who' again, but is joined by what sounds like bagpipes at times. The instrumental breaks are pretty awesome. 'Glow' has a more blues-y feel to it, but still with a fast paced beat, somewhat similar to 'The Black Crowes'.

No, there isn't a lot of progressive rock here, but there is plenty of hard-driving rock which would make any lover of 70's style rock very happy. It is high quality hard rock, and it is all for guilty pleasure more than anything. It doesn't really require a lot of time to grow accustomed to it, it is a good album for those that think that there hasn't been any great rock music since the 70s. In progressive terms, I regret that I can only give it 3 stars, but in great rock music, it is easily 5 stars.