HONEY AND LAVA

Coralspin's "Honey and Lava" is a new prog album from a three piece that have created a rather inspired debut. Highlights include 'Sons of the Sleeping Giant' with its muscular guitar riff that grabs me after a few listens. The vocals here are great reminding me a bit of the glam rock style of Brian Connolly of The Sweet. The vibrato is similar, and the low tone of the vocals is better when Ellie Blyth does not go for the high register. She is great on keyboards, as is Blake McQueen. The heavier aspect of the band are in the guitars at the hands of Jake Simmons. Other musicians consist of Steve Knightley on bass, and David English on drums, who have since left the group.

'You're Wrong' is also wonderful and has some nice keyboard and a driving rhythm. Unfortunately, I am no fan of the vocal style on Alt rocker 'Mistimed' or 'Burn My Eyes' as it is in the high register and does not sound on key at times. However, Simmons' lead guitar soling on the latter track is glorious.

'Songbird' has a nice melody on piano and gentle vocals though I tend to dislike the style on this, which feels like a traditional pop song. 'Night Stalker' is way better with really nice keyboards, a Blue Oyster Cult guitar rhythm, and those pitchy vocals dominate. The lead break again really shines, and shows the dexterity of Simmons.

'Aching' closes the album, with gentle piano intro, soft vox, with melancholy lyrics such as "praying that the day will take me in your arms". It meanders along without much variation, though moves to a nice instrumental break of guitar and keyboard trade offs.

Overall, "Honey and Lava" is a decent album that plays it safe and yet has some prog elements. It is a promising start and I am glad I was able to hear this, especially the excellent 2 opening tracks, that shows the promise of greater more consistent releases to come.