Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
If a legend cannot start again and once more search deeply for the passion that propelled them to the top of their profession in a different era, in a different life, then we are doing a disservice to Time. For a legendary figure to aspire to a new beginning is one of enormity, it is satisfying, and it is humbling; and arguably they don’t come much humbler than the former Doors’ founding member Robby Kreiger.
The musician, who like his illustrious band mate John Densmore has remained busy with their own artistic outlook, returns to a band set up after many years recording his own solo albums, and whilst Mr. Kreiger is superb within his own field, there is something brutally cool about collaboration in which he gets to flex his musical muscle with industrious fortitude.
Robby Krieger And The Soul Savages sees Robby join forces once again with Kevin Brandon, and Ed Roth, and the fierce groove of Franklin Vanderbilt, and as the name suggests there is a soul waiting eagerly to be rocked and savaged, torn asunder with delight, by the foursome wielding a new sound but with every intention of being true to Robby’s ethic and drive.
Trust is a mysterious beast to get on board with, but as the album progresses, as the epiphany of genres that meld together seamlessly are brought to the foreground, such as the classic soul, 60’s jazz infusion, Blues and Rock and almost everything else in between, so trust in Robby’s new creation is hotly accepted.
Across tracks such as the opener Shark Skin Suit, and the explorative figures of Samosas & Kingfishers, Never Say Never, Contrary Motion, the exquisite finality of Math Problem, and the sweet memories that abound in the fertile grasses of the mind in A Day In L.A. stride with conjoined humility and effortless purpose, so that trust is recognised and adored.
Being able to start again at the beginning without losing a single thread of what made you unique, purposeful, and overwhelmingly cool in the first place is a privilege; but you still need to prove that it can be achieved, that no corners were cut, no sense of discretion left at the door; and for Robby Krieger And The Soul Savages all that is one of fundamental belief in the project; four friends jamming away in a studio and allowing the magic of the experience to flow purposely and with absolute flavour.
A spirit that continues to impress, a man of sheer passion who never lets it slide; this is Robby Krieger’s soul on show and it is beating with belief and guile as ever.
Robby Krieger And The Soul Savages release their debut, self-titled album on January 19th via The Players Club.
Ian D. Hall