Album Review

The Rockingbirds – The Return Of The Rockingbirds

• 21st Feb 2013

The album’s title tells the story – The Rockingbirds are back after seventeen years.

The famed country rock band was formed in London in 1990 and released their eponymous debut album two years later. Pioneers of the alternative country scene, they were once talked of along with top American bands like Uncle Tupelo (forerunners of Son Volt and Wilco) and The Jayhawks. A second album, Whatever Happened To The Rockingbirds? followed in 1995 before the group imploded and finally split up after a farewell London concert later that year.

In 2008 the band reformed to play a record label party, which led to more shows, then to writing and recording – and now to a long overdue third album. The Return Of The Rockingbirds has a typically country sound in the main, with a harder rock core evident in a few of its songs. Basically, If you like country music then this collection of eleven new tracks will be right up your country road.

The opening Till Something Better Comes Along, a past single release, sets a reflective tone for the album, smooth and with a solid country rhythm. Alan Tyler’s voice sound as good as ever and there are some lovely touches of deft guitar in the background. “I’ll drink the ale and sing these sad old country songs”, sings Tyler rather appropriately. The album’s centrepiece Stop The War is another highlight. With the archetypical country music subject of love gone bad, Tyler’s deep vocals and some lovely deft guitar touches make this a good country rock track.

Many of the other songs on the album come from mainstream country territory. Nothing ground breaking perhaps, but their apparent familiarity will appeal to many. The fast guitar style of Brand New Plan and the slower sound of Now I Do could both be outtakes from a whole host of country singers. You Can’t Win The Heart You Broke is a good slow track, while Fanny has a poppy edge that gives it a lift.

Juliet starts with a harmonica blast that results in a very different feel to what becomes a largely piano driven love song with a jaunty air. And closing track The Lonely And The Drunk feels like the last dance from a Nashville wedding with its contemplative and wistful lyrics.

The Return Of The Rockingbirds will delight the many fans of the band who have waited such a long time for its release. And it should prompt a few others who missed out first time around to check out the band’s first two releases as well. This album marks the welcome return of a band who still have plenty to offer.

Venue: The Return Of The Rockingbirds
Support Band: Loose Music