LEADBETTER BAND “Howl”

Self-released, 2021

Music: Hard Rock / Alternative Metal
Website: www.ericleadbettermusic.com
Duration: 53:00 (11 tracks)
Country: U.S.A

Going into 2022, my ambition is to continue bringing unique and amazing bands to your attention through reviews, interviews, and whatnot. Hence I wanted my first review to be from a band whose album I missed covering last year. Eric Leadbetter, the brainchild of the Leadbetter band and many other collectives have had a brilliant track record within the Power Rock & Roll and Hard Rock industry. “Howl”, the second album under the Leadbetter band banner gained instant traction when it was announced back in August. Before we head right into the album, it is important to familiarise ourselves with the band.

Leadbetter band, based out of Oregon play a thrashing yet catchy brand of Hard Rock. Hooked to their sound mainly because of the riffs and how good they sound when couple with a pounding yet controlled drumming, I didn’t have many expectations on how the vocals would turn out to be. To my surprise, it blends well with the instrumentation. The very first track, “Waterdogs” is the epitome of the same. The song starts with a very punchy riff reminiscent of Deep Purple, the follow-through is a very driving vocal – catchy and anthemic. The perfect way to start the album. The next track settles down the tempo but has a very good guitar section.

“Feedin the Landlord” has a great intro riff that is surely one of the best on this album. Leadbetter band brings back the signature vocals that comes with a very good chorus. Perhaps one of the best songs on this album, my opinion would be to put this on the first 3 tracks on this album so that it would have received better traction. However, sonically the band has done a brilliant job here! Although the album is solid as is, the only issue is some songs stand out than the rest. In the sense, there is a lack of consistency in how the songs are structured. Because after the first half, the next track that I had out on repeat was “Easy Come”.

“Easy Come” might as well be my favourite track on this album – for three reasons. One, the intro – the band has nailed the intro again with a beautiful riff. Secondly the vocals – sounds different from the rest, and perfectly compliment the mood of the track. Lastly- a grand guitar solo towards the end. A great track overall, and will surely be on repeat for those who love this particular blend of genres.

From a guy who listens to a mix of genres especially the off-shoots of Metal and Rock – “Howl” was an eye-opener on how different psychedelic rock can be, and how complex it is to blend elements into this mix. Personally, some parts of the album might seem like filler tracks – but if you sit through you’ll get an experience worth repeating.

Tracklist:

1. Waterdogs
2. Snake oil
3. Doesn’t change a thing
4. Time waits
5. Feeding the landlord
6. On the road
7. Find your love again
8. Habits
9. Middle man
10. Easy come
11. The hammer

Line-up:

Eric Leadbetter – vocals, guitars
Patrick Pearsall – bass
Dylan Bernal – drums

Guests:

Stephanie Slade – vocals on “time waits” and “find your love again”
Pete Kartsounes- vocals and harmonica “on the road”
Mark Johnson- keys “Waterdogs”