2011 has proved to be the beginning of Sankara as a band. We have had close encounters and sweated and trod some interesting boards together. We got out gigged, released our debut EP and through out the year written, jammed and put together 15 - 20 songs that are being readied to release as a full length album. Pre-production for the new album will begin in earnest in January 2012, however before all that we would like to point to the artists that have inspired us this year with their songs and music. Why? Well everybody likes lists; and these are albums that have in one way or another fired our inspiration and kicked our arses into gear to aspire for more.
So the Ten most inspiring album releases for 2011 are…
10. Animals As Leaders -Isolated Incidents
This album with its progressive pieces, odd time signatures and fast riffs proved a real eye opener for Vinden and right up Rhayn’s street. The drums, guitar and bass are united in virtuasic flurry of notes.
9. Whitesnake - Forevermore
The old rocks proved there was life in the beast. This album has some great tracks, most are just good old fashioned fun with rock. The song Forevermore is a great piece of sound architecture.
8. Adele - 21
How could you not like this? A warning to all boys or another creative product fuelled by a broken heart? Which ever it is this album is from the heart with some truly great songs and lyrics.
7. Opeth - Heritage
A turn up for the books and a departure from their usual fare. This album is one that just takes you on a journey and requires alot of plays to start to delve into its texture.
6. Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn of Events
No Portnoy? How shall they go on! Well they did and it provided the air and space required to get the music flowing again, noticeably so. This harks back to their earlier works and has some really fine riffs along with the usual turns and odd times.
5. Chickenfoot - Chickenfoot III
Rock’s super group have come back with some great new songs and lyrics. An album that is structured and varied with a little bit for every one. This is another production that Jay tore apart and re-engineered for their sonics
4. Mr Big - What If
A great rocking album that just has alot of fun in each track. Nuff said..really!
3. Joe Bonamassa - Dust Bowl
A kick arse release that has some of the bluesman’s best songs and solos on it to date. Never boring and always touching…an inspiration to us all
2. Machine Head - Unto the Locust
Pedal to the metal, this album is awesome with ballads and kick arse lyrics done in true Machine Head Style. Darkness Within is a modern rock ballad with some inspiring lyrics.
1. Black Stone Cherry - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
This proved to the album that has effected us the most this year. Its probably one of the best produced albums on offer with a sonic palette that is 100% clear and audible. The songs are tight, well written and perfect in length. The riffs are catchy and their roots still visible. This is on constantly in Jay, Rhayn and Vinden’s cars.
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