Snakecharmer – Snakecharmer

Snakecharmer is probably a new name to most of you, although Planetmosh readers may remember we introduced you to this band back in December 2011 when they were first unveiled to the press.  The name gives a nod to the past of two of the members – former Whitesnake members Micky Moody and Neil Murray.  Joining them are Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder and Magnum), Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne), and Chris Ousey (Heartland).  That’s a pretty impressive lineup (it would be even more impressive if I were to give a fuller run-down of their careers), and the two new tracks they played at the press launch at the end of 2011 sounded great, so this is an album I’ve been waiting impatiently for, for the last year.

Well after a few listens I can say one thing for sure – it was worth the wait.  Almost inevitably people are going to compare the album to Whitesnake, and there is certainly a valid comparison, but this is far more than just a copy of whitesnake.  There’s definitely a feel of early Whitesnake as well as some Bad Company, but ultimately Snakecharmer have their own sound.  Like several other bands such as Rival Sons, the music feels fresh and moden while having a strong 1970’s feel to it as well – a difficult balance to get right.

Brief comments on a few tracks…

Opening with some nice keyboards that sound like a Hammond organ, “Smoking gun” is one of the tracks with the strongest Whitesnake feel to it, but Chris Ousey’s vocals put modeern-day David Coverdale to shame.

“Smoking gun” was one of the tracks played at the press launch, and I thought it was great then, but now I listen to it more, it just keeps getting better and better – my favourite track on the album.

“Nothing to lose” is a real pounding rock track with a solid heavy sound, and Chris Ousey’s powerful vocals belting out the lyrics.  There’s also a great guitar solo to break things up part way through.

An excllent debut album.  Having heard two tracks at the press launch and seen the band perform live (supporting Uriah Heep) I’d expected it to be a great album, but it was even better than I’d hoped for.  An essential purchase for any fans of Whitesnake, Bad Company, and one that will appeal to anyone who likes that ’70s influenced sound.

Snakecharmer will be released on 28th January on Frontiers records

Rating: 10/10

Snakecharmer are:

Micky Moody – guitar, slide guitar, vocals
Neil Murray – bass
Laurie Wisefield – guitar, vocals
Harry James – drums, vocals
Adam Wakeman – keyboards, vocals
Chris Ousey – lead vocals

Track listing:

1. My Angel
2. Accident Prone
3. To The Rescue
4. Falling Leaves
5. A Little Rock & Roll
6. Turn Of The Screw
7. Smoking Gun
8. Stand Up
9. Guilty As Charged
10. Nothing To Lose
11. A Breath Away
12. Cover Me In You