Our favorite Swedish anachronism is back in a hurry with the follow up to 2011’s divine Hisingen Blues. Lights Out continues the good old rock n’ roll sounds that GRAVEYARD plays so well. And the songs…yes, they are just straight up good.
The band shows some new facets of songwriting as some songs are more subdued or dynamic while others allow the vocals to stand in the forefront. The sequencing of the songs keeps things fresh as the vibe and tempos can shift from song to song. Songs like “Seven Seven,” “Endless Night,” and “Goliath” rock the loudest while “Hard Times Lovin’” and “Slow Motion Countdown” are somber bluesy numbers. “The Suits, the Law & the Uniforms” makes you want to crack open some ice cold beers. Album closer “20/20 (Tunnel Vision)” starts off subdued and builds to a mid-crescendo coming to an end.
Lights Out’s is beautifully authentic to the 70’s sound in production and instruments used. The musicianship is top notch without being flamboyant. Joakim Nilsson (vocals/guitar) continues to grow as a frontman and delivers another charismatic and beautiful performance.
No use wasting time in reading this review any further. Go out and get this album. (Nuclear Blast Records)
