Soley Mourning - The Rocket Pool

Soley Mourning are a band from Dudley in the Black Country who are influenced by Black Sabbath, Glenn Hughes, Slade and Led Zeppelin to name a few. Yes! Soley Mourning have traditional Rock values and have been headlining gigs through out Europe since they started back in 2006.

Launching off with direct Rock / Blues riffs for the slow album starter 'Last of these nine Lives' where the vocals don't come in to a massive two minutes of the song, which I think is a really big mistake. This song sounds like a cross over from American Rock to British Rock and has comparisons to music by The Answer and Buffalo Summer. I do think it is a little predictable, but that doesn't matter that much in this genre. The song adds a little edge with the vocals by Tina V who does a fluid performance, but not sure the vocals blend that well. I do think this song get's better near the end where the vocal mix of Mat Partridge and Tina V is far better and shows of a better side to both singers abilities.

The second track and single 'Accidental Enemies', has a really nice groove to it that comes from the roots of the bands interests very nicely. Glenn Hughes would have been proud to have this in his arsenal and is one of the best songs on the bands album. The happy clappy 'Turn yourself Around' is really not my cup of tea, but for fans of the band The Answer and Retro Revival Rock would enjoy this one very much. The sound is very clean and well produced and I think Soley Mourning have accomplished what they set out to do. 

'Shark Eyes' has a really nice tone and rhythm to it, and is a nice track to past the time to. While 'Gumstream' has a more mellow vibe to it, with great timing and musicianship. You could find yourself tapping your feet along to it, in a way this song has a real 90's Rock vibe to it which is quite nice. This is probably the best track on the album for me. Title track 'The Rocket Pool' is faster and heavier but still keeping in with traditional tempo's and sound volumes. 

I loose interest a little bit as it get's to 'The Unmaking of a rational Mind' the tracks are all a little too similar, and lyrical content is a little bit dated. 'Seed of Doubt' and 'Only Embers' just kind of lead you on to the last number 'So long Song' like you have been on a road trip for about a year. This last number is a nice contrast a slow love song and is more interesting than some of the other tracks on the album so you wonder why they left it to the end.

For me I have just heard this all before but the band would appeal to the Retro Revival market and Rock fans of the older persuasion. I am sure I will see them on support slots and playing the live music circuit for years to come, but for me this album doesn't really offer anything new and exciting. It just does what says on the tin, it's a touring Rock band that want to play their music and their is nothing wrong with that. It's just not one for me.