They have been called "the future of British rock" and in 2017 the previous album "II" reached the first place at UK Rock Charts. The voice and the sound is easy to recognise, this is Nathan James and INGLORIOUS.
Their new album "Ride To Nowhere" contains both variations of voice and instruments, careful or restrained parts and then full power, a characteristic hallmark.
The title track is a brilliant composition. It really feels as if you join together on a trip, that starts slow and then goes faster and faster. The longing to finally arrive, but also exciting not knowing where it takes you or what happens along the way. In life these kinds of journeys also take place and it has been a very turbulent time for this band, which lead to several changes of musicians in December. During a busy and stressful period, especially after recording and before soon going on tour, singer Nathan James felt an enormous pressure. To his and all the fans relief a new lineup has been formed. New lead guitarist is Danny Dela Cruz, on bass we find Vinnie Colla and second guitarists name is Dan Stevens. Together with drummer Phil Beaver all five are now ready to hit the road and meet the audience.
The new material is of course at least as good as the last one, but according to me it may not really reach the top as their magnificent first record. A few people find that work a little uneven, but on the contrary this originality made it so special and alive. It showed all opportunities of this group, which have now been smoothed out a little. Something that many others just find positive, showing a band that has landed in their own style.
Again legendary Kevin Shirley (LED ZEPPELIN, AEROSMITH, JOE BONAMASSA, IRON MAIDEN) has been responsible for the mixing. Naturally this brings "Ride To Nowhere" similar to the second production, which he also layed his final touch on.
Half way through it really takes off and the quality rises further.
The heaviness comes with, among other things, cool guitar riffs. On top of that the frontman really demonstrates his skill in the acoustic and emotional "Glory Days". Here he proves having a great voice capacity without losing the genuine sensitivity.
As a child Nathan sang in a choir and from the age of ten more regularly in front of public, so he really knows how to use his tool. In the end of 2018 James also toured UK as “the voice of humanity” in the musical version of “The war of the worlds”.
On the tracks "Time To Go" and especially "I Don’t Know You" a little more happens. Drums and bass have a nice pace and the rhythm is blended with Nathans play with his vocal tones. Details can do so much, like a pause between the drumbeats or a couple of strong piano pounces from the keyboard. Such proficiency shows the feeling of complete devotion to the music and what these guys are doing.
The lyrics became very personal to the singer, who says “I am for the first time writing about a lot of my feelings, relationships and losses…”
It seems to be a reflection of the last years. The will to express true music and emotions succeeds.
The tour starts in England right after the album has been released. Then it goes further out in Europe, with gigs including Hamburg (11 Feb) and Berlin (12 Feb).
The man behind the drums let us know: ”I can’t wait to play the new material live on the road!”
Once again INGLORIOUS deliver a timeless creation that only gets better and better every time you listen. (Anna)
Bewertung:
8 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 11
Spielzeit: 43:49 min
Label: Frontiers Music s.r.l.
Veröffentlichungstermin: 25.01.2019
