THE OUTFIELD - RePlay (2011)
Bonus tracks
Looking at the list of new releases this summer, one might think it’s still the summer of ’85. Bands like Journey, Night Ranger, Yes and The Cars all have new albums out.
Also one of my favorites from the mid '80s are back with a brand new album as well.
The album is titled “RePlay” and it’s by none other than The Outfield.
The new album is chock full of memorable hooks, sunny harmonies and multi-layered guitars, just like how the band sounded back in their heyday. It’s almost uncanny how lead singer Tony Lewis can hit those high notes as he did way back when.
It’s also great to see drummer Alan Jackman back in the fold.
Jackman has been sorely missed over the years and so his presence and his style of playing has obviously re-energized the band.
As a matter of fact, the new material has a focus and drive that hasn’t been heard from the band since 1987′s Bangin' album.
This might also be related to the fact that main songwriter/guitarist John Spinks has been battling some health issues these last few years which may have given him all the more reason to put together some 'a game' material this time out.
We can find here beautiful melodies, like the one on the advanced single (already featured here on 0dayrock) “California Sun".
“A Long, Long Time Ago” is a rockin’ track that sounds like something straight off the ’87 era of the band. Probably my favorite song on the album.
“New York City” features a nice loop-like groove and a neat repetitive drum fill that may seem out of place at first but becomes one of the hooks in the song after a few listens.
“Disraeli Years” is a big nod to ’60′s blues/rock trio Cream. The track features fun lil’ lyrical references to the iconic band as well as a tasty guitar solo 'ala Clapton'. And just in case you miss any of those references, Jackman adds the unmistakable drum fill from 'White Room' at the end of the song. Fun stuff.
On “Shake Your Thing” Lewis’ vocals are an integral part of The Outfield sound. In the past his high tenor overshadowed his bass playing. But with the new album and on tracks like “Shake Your Thing”, Lewis has come a long way in terms of memorable bass lines.
The eighties are back, and The Outfield returns with one of the best albums of their career. With all three original members in place, the band seems revitalized.
The new songs are driven by the astoundingly high range tenor vocals from Tony Lewis. Compressed and phased vocal harmonies are featured on almost every track. The musicianship of the performers is impeccable, and production crisp and warm.
"RePlay", with its upbeat and oh-so melodic tunes, is a perfect addition to this summer’s soundtrack. It’s too bad the band won’t be out on tour this summer to support the new release. Spinks is still dealing with health issues so live gigs are unfortunately out of the question.
Purchase the album, turn up the volume and have a melodic rockin’ retro summer!
1 - Aladdin's Cave
2 - California Sun
3 - A Long, Long Time Ago
4 - In Your Company
5 - Who Would You Be?
6 - Shake Your Thing
7 - New York City
8 - Call It Out
9 - Process
10 - Wonderland
11 - Disraeli Years
12 - Sandman
13 - Malibu Beach (bonus track)
14 - A Little Piece Of Luck (bonus track)
Tony Lewis - Vocals, Bass
John Spinks - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Alan Jackman - Drums, Backing Vocals
BUY IT !
www.theoutfield.com
