Release
date: Feb 10th 2017. Label: Black Bow Records. Format: DD
Fortuna
Havana – Tracklisting
Vorpal
War
Dogs
Duchess
Fortuna
Havana
Band
Members
Jimi Ray - Vocals,
Sam Orr - Guitar,
Tom Richards - Bass Guitar,
Tom Drury - Drums.
Review
1968
return after a two year absence with their new EP - Fortuna Havana.
Whilst their debut EP was more of a Desert/Stoner Rock sound. Fortune
Havana sees the band change their direction further by adding styles
of Classic Rock, Grunge, and Psych Rock. The band are newly signed to
Black Bow Records which is kinda cool as that label normally sign
much heavier acts compared to 1968.
Opening
track - Vorpal - has a classic Soundgarden feel matched with a
powerful Stoner Rock sound. It's a very loud song with rich moments
of sixties/seventies rock and the modern sounding vocals add a cold
exterior. The Desert/Fuzz Rock grooves allow the band to play highly
impressive dual guitar riffs.
Second
track - War Dogs - is a heavier and almost doomier sounding track
with heavy distorted riffs opening the song before Black Sabbath
atmospherics appear. Lead vocalist - Jimi - is influenced by the
Stadium Rock vocals of The Who and Black Sabbath whilst still
creating new ground of his own. The song contains a high amount of
feedback with screeching Thin Lizzy style dual guitars being played
at a fast pace.
Third
track - Duchess - sees the band stick with the winning formula they
created on the opening two tracks though they start to play a
grungier/blues based sound. This is my favourite song on the EP as
1968 finally create their own individual sound. The psychedelic
moments will take you into "Transdimensional Space Goat"
territory.
Fourth
track - Fortuna Havana - is perhaps the heaviest track on the EP.
Heavy Stoner/Grunge sound with the twinge of sixties Classic Rock
still for everyone to hear. The song has a distorted fuzz based
groove as 1968 are channelling their love for all things Led Zep.
They aren't the first band to do this nor will they be the last.
Though I have to admit 1968 are perhaps one of the best modern
sounding Classic Rock bands I've heard in a long time.
Fortuna
Havana sounds timeless and some of that credit has to goto Chris
Fielding (Conan, Skyhammer Studios). Chris recorded and produced this
EP. 1968 will be recording their debut album with Chris at Skyhammer
Studios which will be released later this year. Based on this
evidence, the band may have a few more surprises waiting for us
before the year is out. Until then, Fortuna Havana is a must-have
release for all fans of Classic Rock and Stoner Rock.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Dewar PR for the promo. Fortuna Havana will be available to buy on
DD via Black Bow Records from Feb 10th 2017.
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