"Saw the Smokin' Hogs tear the place up with a mind blowingly, top drawer live set"
14th December 2009 - Blues In Britain
Christian Sturgess
"If you’re a fan of heavy, dirty and groove filled chord changes, with a sound that combines elements similar to Seasick Steve and The Blues Brothers, then boy have I got a treat for your ears. Smokin’ Hogs are back with their second album Bite The Bullet, and it’s full to the brim with all the stylistic traits us blues fans love, slide guitar, harmonica solos, and deep in the rhythm bass and drums.
Steve Soer has a distinctive lead vocal style that perfectly fits the bands heavier blues sound. Further influences of the band come through in tracks like “Little Blue Eyed Girl”, which are reminiscent of others like ZZ Top – yet they still sound fresh and modern. The song of the album in my opinion is “Wild Flowers”, and whilst it doesn’t focus on their heavy duty blues style, its slower emotional tendency displays the bands flexibility.
A great sounding blues record, widely accessible and full of attitude, certainly a band to watch out for in the near future!"
1st December 2009 - Simon J Gledhill - www.stillgigging.com / www.nottinghambluessociety.com
"As soon as I fired up the CD player I was transported right back to Canvey Island and there is no doubt that the Smokin' Hogs would have fitted right in alongside Dr. Feelgood. As the album moves along it remains faithful to that distinctive early 70s British blues and R&B sound with some nice overtones of early ZZ Top. The production of the album is clean with all instruments and voices well defined and I found that the album gets more interesting as it goes along building to a crescendo with the final track 'Livin' On Rock'.
The album opens with the title track 'Bite The Bullet', this song is irresistible and just forces you to move along with it even if you are sitting down. A strong opener with good solid musicianship with a very distinctive sound.
The second track 'Fetch & Carry Man' maintains the early pace and is more bluesy. 'Old Flames (Still Burn)' another upbeat song, solid playing and nice lyrics that work well with the melody.
After three tracks with such a distinctive style, the next track 'Two-A-Penny Blues' took me pleasantly by surprise with its Knopfler-esque guitar and vocal style. An excellent song and I love the guitar solo on this one.
'Rollin' Down The Line' is another solid song but not as strong as the opening songs for me and then 'Life's Too Short', a slow number with Country and Western style corny lyrics but with a really superb understated guitar solo.
'Shadows In The Dark' takes us back to the rockier sound and the band seem to have more of their own sound on this number - rockier but without losing the blues feel. The guitar solos on this track are both superb without being self-indulgent, they both work perfectly in the context of the song. 'Little Blue Eyed Girl' hang on, we're racing along now - with that title I was expecting a slow number. This is a great song with a particularly nice vocal treatment on part of this song for a bit of added interest. Reminds me a bit of of Iggy Pop late 70s here.(New Values - Lust for Life era)
'Listen To Me Baby' is another slower number. Very classic blues style. I am still not convinced that this style of song is strong for the Hogs. I can't put my finger on quite why I feel this way but it leaves me cold compared to their upbeat, rockier songs. Do I really need any more songs with lyrics in them that start with "I came home from work the other day …"?
'Brand New Day' has a nice and unusual drum style creating a very interesting sound, a great track. 'Wild Flowers' comes next with an acoustic guitar and a Country and Western sound again, I could imagine Don Williams singing this.
The album then closes with the rocking 'Livin' On Rock' a fitting conclusion to this fine album. So, I think it is pretty obvious - for the most part I preferred the upbeat rockier numbers. The Smokin' Hogs are clearly a very capable band with great musicianship and a distinctive sound, a sound which has its roots in the early 70s British Rock & Blues era - but is still very relevant today. I will make a point of going to see the Smokin' Hogs live next time they play near to Nottingam - I can't say fairer than that!"
"Enjoying the album a lot, everybody should have the Smokin' Hogs in their life!!"
"The Smokin' Hogs had the whole place smoking at The Poc......without breaking a law in sight!"
"With their punchy rocking blues and good fun attitude the Smokin' Hogs are one of the best touring bands around."
"Please give a big thanks to the Smokin’ Hogs for their set at the Linton Festival. You got the Festival off to a cracking start for us and I hope you all had a great time. The event was a huge success........our best yet, we all think, so thanks again for your part in that!!!!!!!!!!"
22nd June 2009 - www.skiddle.com - Ross-On-Wye Events - Linton Music Festival 2009
whydoIneedtoregister's Review of Linton Music Festival 2009
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