Search - War Pipes :: War Pipes

Solid Rock with a beat and a twist

bwrayne | Los Angeles, CA | 06/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Far from the screaming and banging associated with hard rock, this group has lyrics that are understandable and acceptable, with a few cuss words. The music compliments the words admirably and the songs hold their own. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Overall an enjoyable CD."

Elton's Band shows why they are Elton's Band

jeff millar-sax | United States | 03/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"War Pipes first album mixes a very interesting blend of harder-edged mainstream rock with some soulfull yet folksy ballads and a couple of "pop perfect" radio friendly tunes. Though they may sound a bit familiar, they all have some very unique twists and turns that make this a refreshing disc to listen to.Although I am biased and will listen to anything that Davey Johnstone releases, I must admit that I was impressed with Billy Trudel's voice and how he interprets Davey's songs, (most of them co-written with Steve Trudel) and helps to create a different sound for Elton's backing band of Davey, Nigel Olsson (a total musician that just happens to kick ... on drums), Bob Birch (rock steady on bass) and the subtly amazing Guy Babylon on keyboards.The first half of the album rocks hard from the opening notes of "Rock and Roll Condition" - a familiar sounding cruising tune to the heavy handed chorus of "Little Persuader" and culminating with the thunderous blues tune called "Mr. 2 U" in which the band takes a unique approach to the chord progression, holding the listener at bay until they decide to move forward."One Love True" is a pop ballad that starts the second half of the disc. On "Tear Jerker" Billy's passionate vocals wail with empathy for the title. "Divided Heart" reminds the listener of the very best of Journey with that big ballad, pop-perfect sound. "Back a ma Buick" is a funky, fun rocker that has a fresh yet famailar sound that would fit quite nicely being played on the car stereo.The musicianship on this album is flawless and the intelligence of the compositions and production is so subtle that it takes a couple of listens through to thoroughly appreciate what these artists have created.Note to Davey: Please release "Smiling Face" and the "China" album on CD! Note to the Warpipes band: Please record some more! This album is a worthy first effort and it sounds like you all enjoyed doing it."