THE MUSTANGS – SHAMAN & THE MONKEY

Shaman & The Monkey is the sixth album from the well known Mustangs, and as well as their heavy debt to blues, they also explore folk, jazz and rock music over the course of the thirteen original tunes on this release.

Much of the heavy lifting in terms of the song writing is carried out by lead singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Norsworthy, with the help from harmonica ace Derek Kingaby, whilst the rock solid and sympathetic rhythms are provided by bassist Ben McKeown and drummer Jon Bartley, whilst all members provide close harmony vocals on many of the songs.

The pieces go from the slow blues of ‘Any Road Will Do’ to the classic rock strains of ‘Find Your Love’. ‘Second Chance’ is one of those immediately catchy unison riffs and rock vocals, whilst the album closer ‘Too Much Is Never Enough’ is a catchy song full of melodic lines and a soulful lead vocal track.

‘The Line’ which opens the album is a showcase for the harmonica, and shows a debt to Bad Company, with Adam Norsworthy channelling his best Paul Rodgers-like vocal. “Didn’t I Say” starts off with the overused Bo Diddley rhythm, before a chorus which adds a folk sheen with mandolin to the fore. “Cracking Up’ is a faster number, powered along by a driving rhythm track, whilst “Shut It Down’ sounds like what a young Rolling Stones might sound like if they were entering a studio for the first time today.

The album continues the Mustangs’ way with a catchy tune, first class musicianship and production values, and is worth adding to a serious blues/rock music collection. Rating: 7

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