by Brian D. Holland.

The Answer is a four-piece band out of County Down, Northern Ireland. If you’re a big fan of hard rock but haven’t heard of them yet, then it’s a good thing you’re reading this. Though many rock bands come along boasting a vintage, classic sound that’s saturated in everything rock ‘n’ roll, it’s usually a gross exaggeration to aid in their marketing hyperbole. However, The Answer is the real deal.

The band’s first CD, Rise, released back in 2006, and repackaged and rereleased as a 2-CD set a year later, is without a doubt some of the best rock music issued on disc in years. Unfortunately, news of genuine rock having limited reach these days, it appears it still hasn’t penetrated the brawny walls of the rock listening majority. Though they’ve opened shows for the likes of the Stones, the Who, and Deep Purple, the CD is still one of rock’s best kept secrets, which is downright sinful actually.

Listen to "Memphis Water" and "Come Follow Me" from Rise

From the opener, “Under The Sky,” it’s immediately discernable that the music is bona fide hard rock thunder and lightening, and it doesn’t quit there. It’s unyielding clout throughout. The melodies are brilliant, yet heavy on sonic muscle and extravagant emotion. Singer Cormac Neeson possesses first rate rock and roll vocal talent, superb strength with just the right amount of grainy resonance. Unique and extremely creative in style, akin to many of the great vocalists of the '60s and '70s, he sometimes evokes the rockin’ timbre of Janis Joplin, Steve Marriott, Lou Gramm, Steven Tyler, and many others.

Never can enough be said about good rhythm sections and bassist Mickey Waters and drummer James Heatley are certainly in that exceptional category. Their driving force and rhythmic support is solid throughout. I’m sure many rock guitar fanatics have committed to memory the brilliant riff magic of players like Humble Pie’s Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton, Free’s Paul Kossoff, and also that of Jimmy Page and Angus Young. Those exciting familiarities are all over Paul Mahon’s lead guitar playing. He’s one of just a few young players to possess the amazing ability to put a smile on the face of steadfast rock fans. His scorching lead solos and crunchy rhythmic chops are the foundation of the band’s indisputably authentic sound.

The Answer is an incredibly talented blues based hard rock band, obviously with a sharp understanding of everything rock ‘n’ roll, past and present, and their music is tight and solid. Their youthful enthusiasm, complete with raw intensity and rebel stance, is a characteristic the genre of rock 'n' roll has lacked for quite a while. They’ve garnered the respect and admiration of rock fans throughout different parts of the world, but as I’ve already mentioned, many rock fans still haven’t caught on to their gripping sound. It’s only a matter of time.

Though they’ll be releasing another full-length CD sometime soon, Rise shouldn’t be ignored. It’s resplendent with driving rhythms, scorching guitar, and brilliant melodies. Though the added songs on the Special Edition’s second CD are astoundingly comparable in quality to those on the original CD, with a few recorded live in Tokyo (and an interesting version of Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion”), I recommend that rock fans at least pick up a copy of the original CD. It’s eleven outstanding rock songs, and practically a classic already. I’ve listed and linked to both below.

Rise Special Edition Track Listing

Original CD
1. Under The Sky
2. Never Too Late
3. Come Follow Me
4. Be What You Want
5. Memphis Water
6. No Questions Asked
7. Into The Gutter
8. Sometimes Your Love
9. Leavin’ Today
10. Preachin’
11. Always

Special Edition CD 2
1. Keep Believin’
2. I Won’t Let You Down
3. Sweet Emotion
4. Doctor
5. So Cold
6. Rock Bottom Blues
7. Some Unity
8. No Questions Asked (Radio Session)
9. Into The Gutter (acoustic)
10. Only the Strong Survive
11. Not Listening
12. Come Follow Me
13. Sometimes Your Love
14. Be What You Want/Moment Jam
15. Take It Easy

Links
The Answer
Rise (original single CD) on Amazon
Rise 2-CD Special Edition on Amazon