Blak29
The Waiting
Cleopatra Records
Let’s face it, when it comes to no-nonsense, balls-to-the-wall heavy metal, the 1980’s was undoubtedly the decade. With big drums, gritty vocals and an endless supply of riffs (and follicles) it was a non-stop knees-up…until Kurt Cobain and Co. arrived as the ultimate party poopers to pop our metallic bubble. No fear, because Blak29 are here, and they’re playing like grunge never happened. Tapping into an Electric-eraCult and Zodiac Mindwarp biker-metal vibe, their latest album, The Waiting, is bursting at the seams with 11 rumbustious rockers that strut their stuff with a cool swagger. Comprising of vocalist/drummer Steve Zing and Dan Tracey (guitar/bass/backing vocals) Blak29 are a combo who create a sound far bigger than their constituent parts and an emphasis on the rhythm section turns every song into a real chest-thumper. Each of these tracks is sure to transfer well to the live environment (the litmus test for any metal song) and the catchy hooks and big choruses on tracks such as ‘Go Go Little One’ demand one thousand voices sing along. From atmospheric opener ‘Blackout’ to raunchy closer ‘Long Cool Woman’, The Waiting is an adrenaline-fuelled pillion ride, and one you won’t want to end. The saviours of rock n’ roll? “The Waiting” is over!
Review by Peter Dennis