Release on Friday 1 September 2023.
Review by Halina Wegner
Hey there, Blues-rock aficionados! We’ve got a scorching new release on our hands that’s ready to set your playlists ablaze. Albany Down is back in action with their latest offering, “Born In The Ashes,” and trust us, this album is a sonic journey you won’t want to miss. So strap in and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions and riffs that’ll leave you craving more.
The album kicks off with “Always Want What You Can’t Have,” a track that grabs you by the eardrums from the get-go. The gravelly, soul-drenched vocals of Paul Turley instantly hit you like a shot of whiskey on a cold night. It’s a gritty anthem that oozes desire and longing, setting the stage for what’s to come.
“Good News” follows suit, cranking up the tempo and injecting a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll swagger. The guitar work here is nothing short of electrifying, intertwining seamlessly with the rhythm section to create a head-bobbing, foot-stomping groove that’s impossible to resist
But hold onto your hats, folks, because Albany Down isn’t content with just sticking to one sound. “Born In The Ashes” takes you on a whirlwind tour of emotions. From the punchy and infectious “Same Damn Thing” to the reflective and introspective “The Memory of What Used To Be,” the band showcases a versatility that keeps you hooked from track to track.
“Reflections” slows things down, giving you a moment to catch your breath. It’s a masterclass in songwriting, with haunting melodies that linger long after the last chord fades. And just when you think you’ve got Albany Down figured out, the title track, “Born In The Ashes,” hits you like a musical supernova. The anthem-like chorus and blazing instrumentation ignite a fire that burns brighter with each listen.
As the album unfolds, we delve into the depths of darkness with tracks like “Darkest Day” and “Kingdom of the Blind.” These songs are a sonic embodiment of catharsis, channelling raw emotion into a sonic assault that’s as therapeutic as it is sonically satisfying.
But it’s not all shadow and smoke. “Don’t Look Back” and “I’ll Come Running” inject a shot of optimism into the mix, providing a glimmer of light amidst the lyrical labyrinth. The hooks here are like melodic quicksand – the more you resist, the deeper you’re pulled in.
As we approach the finale, “Your Days Are Numbered” and “This Heavy Soul” plunge us into a philosophical reverie. These tracks tackle weighty themes with a deft touch, making you ponder life’s intricacies while your heart races to the rhythm of the music.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Albany Down wraps things up with “Let Your Love Shine.” It’s a triumphant closing statement that’s as anthemic as it is infectious, leaving you on a high note and itching to hit the repeat button.
“Born In The Ashes” isn’t just an album – it’s a journey through the human experience, a whirlwind of sound and emotion that leaves an indelible mark. Albany Down has crafted a collection that’s equal parts gritty and graceful, showcasing their growth as musicians while paying homage to their bluesy roots. So crank up the volume, dive into the depths, and let the flames of “Born In The Ashes” engulf you in a musical inferno you won’t want to escape.
The album is available to pre-order from https://shop.albanydown.com/home. The album features the singles “Always Want What You Can’t Have” and “Same Damn Thing.”
Album Track Listing (CD and Digital)
1. Always Want What You Can’t Have
2. Good News
3. Same Damn Thing
4. The Memory of What Used To Be
5. Reflections
6. Born In The Ashes
7. Darkest Day
8. Kingdom of the Blind
9. Don’t Look Back
10. I’ll Come Running
11 Your Days Are Numbered
12 This Heavy Soul
13. Let Your Love Shine
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