Black Bonzo - Lady Of The Light


Year of Release: 2004
Label: B & B Records
Catalog Number: BCD005
Format: CD
Total Time: 52:16:00

Uriah Heep is alive and kicking!!! ?Hang on? Uriah Heep has never really left and they indeed are still around. So, what is this then? Black Bonzo? A tribute band to Heep? No, not at all. Black Bonzo is a Swedish five piece band with a sound similar to Uriah Heep, as well with influences of classic British bands such as King Crimson, The Beatles and even a bit of Queen.

The band came forth from another Swedish band: Gypsy Sons Of Magic, a psychedelic rock 'n' roll eight-piece group. As several members wanted to go in a different direction, Black Bonzo was formed.

The main reason for the similar sound of Uriah Heep is the lush and abundant use of mellotron and organ, vintage instruments I personally am quite fond of. However, it is a bit difficult to say the band sounds dated. In a way they do. Honestly, their sound is not really original. But the song writing is very good and not dated at all.

Already in the opener, "Lady Of The Lake," takes you back to the 70s and to the genuine Heep sound. It is only singer Lindgren, who makes you realize this is a different band. On the album, classic rock is mixed with psychedelic pieces, modern sounds and some Beatlesque happiness, such as in "New Day." But the overall sound is mellow and really good. Maybe they could have added a bit of a sharper edge to the organs, but still I think this sounds OK.

Keys and vocals are the main thing on the album. Drums, bass and guitars are more in the back, as support of the rest. It is a classic rock album, recorded with modern technology. So it is not that original ? it is a great album that will appeal to all fans of classic 70s rock. Check out the website of the band for samples and take this trip back to the 70s! Hopefully this will not be on one time trip only :-).


Tracklisting:
Lady Of The Light / Brave Young Soldier / These Are Days Of Sorrow / New Day / (Intermission) / FantasyWorld / Freedom / Sirens / Jailbait / Leave Me Your Burdens / Where The River Meets The Sea (Lady Of The Light Revisited)

Musicians:
Magnus Lindgren - vocals
Joachim Karlsson - guitars
Patrick Leandersson - bass guitar
Nicklas ?hlund - organ, piano, mellotron & synthesizers
Mike Israel - drums & percussion

Discography:
Lady Of The Light (2004)
Sound Of The Apocalypse (2007)
The Guillotine (2009)
Greatest Hits (2016)

Genre: Rock

Origin SE

Added: February 19th 2005
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.blackbonzo.com
Hits: 2054
Language: english

  

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