BANDOLIER

Unfortunatly, many people don't share the same views of this album as I do. This is really the last one in the Budgie collection that is needed, besides their 2006 comeback. The music here is much more pop oriented than their previous two records, but the Progressive roots are always there and intact on some of the longer pieces. An underrated gem.

1.Breaking All the House Rules - A new and inventive look on the Budgie sound. Burke Shelley, bassist and vocalist, is in fine form on both his respective parts. Tony Bourge releases and excellent riff on this song, as he drives through a totally bluesy set of chords that are clean and fresh. Drumming from newbie Steve Williams is excellent, as his snare sound is excellent. Lyrics, as usual with Budige tracks, are not so great, but the title is very inventive. (9.5/10)

2.Slipaway - Not the greatest of tracks under Budgie's belt, but this one is different from the others. It actually has a steady beat and clean. The acoustic soundscape from Bourge is jazzy at times, and Shelley's vocals are in fine, soulful falsetto. The song is very fresh sounding when looking at other ballad's. An odd gem that has yet to be found. (7.5/10)

3.Who Do You Want for Your Love? - A totally groovy track, full with some of the best harmonica the band has to offer. The slow intro leading into the soulful vocals of Shelley is excellent, with the slightly jazz-tinged guitar playing from Bourge is in excellent condition. Williams drumming is very steady, clean, and always fresh. The songs lyrics aren't my favourite off of the album, as they always remind me of the debut album's lyrics, which to say, are terrible, but they always seem grooving with the song. An extremely catchy track. (9.5/10)

4.I Can't See My Feelings - Probably the weakest of the bunch, it's total pop that is uninteresting. The song has a steady, yet bland and uniteresting riff, and beat. Shelley's vocals are very good though, and a nice cowbell is wasted. Nothing particularly great on this track besides some excellent cowbell. (6/10)

5.I Ain't No Mountain - My favourite of the bunch. The song is a blues workout of simplicity, but is always fresh and interesting. Shelley's vocals are excellent and always go well with the steady beat of Williams. Bourge's guitar playing is very simplistic on this song, but it's just a fun party tune. The breakdown and slow section is possible one of my Budgie favourites, with the steady beat always there, just more intense. An odd classic, to say the least. (10/10)

6.Napoleon Bona - The most progressive of the bunch. The acoustic guitar is excellent on this song, as Bourge plays with such passion and is almost classical in structure. Shelley sounds alot like Geddy Lee here, as his tone sounds very much like the early days of Rush (1974-1975). The more electric chorus sections are excellent, with some added soul from Shelley and his increasing interest with the lyrics. An intense song of change. (9.5/10)

Though not the best of Budgie's work, it's somewhere in the middle. Some letdowns, and some excellent songs. I have to give a 4 stars, as the band is really rocking on some of the tracks. You definatly should check it out, if your interesting in Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Rush.