BLACKWATER CONSPIRACY
The cover for Blackwater Conspiracy’s sophomore full-length outing resembles some sort of prog rock concept album, from artwork to its florid title. However, this is not at all the case; following on from their 2017 debut, ‘Shootin’ the Breeze’, we have more retro rock blues to digest, with sporadic country flavours. I wholeheartedly agree with the press blurb that describes the album as “steeped in the traditions of Rock n Roll and Blues” but fail to see how it’s “blessed with its own clear identity”, which is also boldly claimed. Everything’s hideously clichéd on ‘Two Tails…’. Competently performed clichés, albeit lacking any discernible sense of authenticity to the period of music they’ve overtly pastiched within their compositions.
All the guys are evidently talented musicians; in particular, vocalist and rhythm guitarist Phil Conalane has a very likeable, raspy voice in what, during his raspiest moments, sounds like an uncannily spot-on impersonation of Rod Stewart, while keys guy Kevin Brennan brings some very likeable Quo-esque ivories to the overall rock recipe. But, to be blatantly honest, I’m not overly fond of the production on ‘Two Tails…’… and I can’t quite put my finger on it. It could be the mix - which is generally fine, with most instruments perfectly balanced and everything gelling well - although the drums feel like they take a back seat at times. They’re certainly not lost in the mix, but the kick drum doesn’t sound as resonant as it should, and the snare needs more bite. I also think the overall sound itself (perhaps a mastering deficit?) lacks an extra punch the material could perhaps have benefitted from.
Overall, though, ‘Two Tails…’ is an enjoyable enough, energetic retro rocking romp. And, while I’ve yet to have the pleasure, I predict Blackwater Conspiracy and their material will come alive and take on a whole new life in a live context. While this album is certainly well above average for this kind of thing, I’m certainly not a hundred per cent convinced by Blackwater Conspiracy as a recorded act. There’s still some work to be done here.
All the guys are evidently talented musicians; in particular, vocalist and rhythm guitarist Phil Conalane has a very likeable, raspy voice in what, during his raspiest moments, sounds like an uncannily spot-on impersonation of Rod Stewart, while keys guy Kevin Brennan brings some very likeable Quo-esque ivories to the overall rock recipe. But, to be blatantly honest, I’m not overly fond of the production on ‘Two Tails…’… and I can’t quite put my finger on it. It could be the mix - which is generally fine, with most instruments perfectly balanced and everything gelling well - although the drums feel like they take a back seat at times. They’re certainly not lost in the mix, but the kick drum doesn’t sound as resonant as it should, and the snare needs more bite. I also think the overall sound itself (perhaps a mastering deficit?) lacks an extra punch the material could perhaps have benefitted from.
Overall, though, ‘Two Tails…’ is an enjoyable enough, energetic retro rocking romp. And, while I’ve yet to have the pleasure, I predict Blackwater Conspiracy and their material will come alive and take on a whole new life in a live context. While this album is certainly well above average for this kind of thing, I’m certainly not a hundred per cent convinced by Blackwater Conspiracy as a recorded act. There’s still some work to be done here.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Bulletproof 20/20 Records
Album
TWO TAILS & THE DIRTY TRUTH OF LOVE & REVOLUTION
Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
50:58
RELEASE DATE:
14th February 2020
TRACK LISTING
1) Goodbye to Yesterday
2) All Wired Wrong
3) Soul Revolutionaries
4) Tattooed & Blonde
5) In Another Lifetime
6) Take It on the Chin
7) The Healing (You & I)
8) Bird in a Coalmine
9) Just Like a Silhouette
10) She Gets Me High
11) Atlanta Smile
2) All Wired Wrong
3) Soul Revolutionaries
4) Tattooed & Blonde
5) In Another Lifetime
6) Take It on the Chin
7) The Healing (You & I)
8) Bird in a Coalmine
9) Just Like a Silhouette
10) She Gets Me High
11) Atlanta Smile
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"...an enjoyable enough, energetic retro rocking romp."
