Kamchatka – The Search Goes On.

@planetmosh reviews The Search Goes On by .@KamchatkaSWE, out on .@Despotz Records.

Formed in 2001 in Varberg, Sweden, Kamchatka are a three piece blues rock band about to release their fifth studio album.  The Search Goes On has been recorded at the band’s own Shrimpmonkey Studios, in their home town of Varberg.  It was produced by band member Per Wiberg, mixed by Johan Ornborg (Soilwork, Amon Amarth) and mastered by Jens Bogren (Katatonia, Opeth).  It is set for a UK release on 4th March 2014.

This is the first album to feature Per Wiberg as a full time member of the band.  Until now his contribution has been in the form of producer, and creator of album artwork.  Now though, he also adds bass and vocals.  His bandmates are Thomas Andersson on guitar and vocals, and Tobias Strandvik on drums.

What is noticeable from the beginning is that for only three men, they make an enormous amount of noise.  The album starts loud, and stays that way.  The second thing to note is that there is no trace of an accent in the singing.  Sometimes listening to a band singing in a second language, the accent becomes distracting, but not so here.  It’s hard to put your finger on where this band get their sound from.  They’re retro, but brand new.  They’re Queens of the Stone Age and Hendrix, soulful and bluesy, rock and some very funky bass.  A band with so many different sounds shouldn’t work, but they really pull it together.  And make it sound effortless.

Opening track Somedays is reminiscent of Ballad of John Henry era Joe Bonamassa, which is a massive compliment coming from a huge Joey B fan like myself.  His influence can be heard throughout the album, in some brilliant guitar work from Thomas Andersson which is tuneful, expressive and quite rightly often takes centre stage.  Broken Man is a standout track.  It’s a ballad, a lot slower and more thoughtful but a great introduction to Kamchatka’s sound, and Thomas Andersson’s voice really pulls you into the story in the lyrics.  Thank You for Your Time has a ridiculously catchy hook and will have you running to the chiropractor with neck pain after all the nodding you’ll do.  The guitar solos in Dragons are incredible, in fact, the guitar is incredible full stop.  Title track The Search Goes On has a slightly weird space age keyboard ending, but that can be forgiven since the rest of the album is so above-par.

Listen to this album.  You’ll love it.

Track Listing

1)Somedays
2)Tango Decadence
3)Coast to Coast
4)Son of the Sea
5)Broken Man
6)Pressure
7)Cross the Distance
8)Thank You for Your Time
9)Dragons
10)The Search Goes On.