Every artists want to make something that will last throughout the ages,
while also carrying the spark of inspiration left behind by other
artists that influenced them. Ludlow Creek is a band that embodies these
concepts and ideas perfectly. Taking time tested traditions and bringing
them to a new audience with a fresh spin is the name of their game, and
this is especially apparent on their latest album, Hands of Time, which
we’ll be taking a closer look at today in our full review!
The album starts off strong with ‘Instant Replay,’ a good old fashioned
rock song that’s comforting and catchy in all the best ways. It’s a
mostly a simple tune that harkens back to the 70’s style of classic rock
songs from bands like Kiss, and if you liked those, then this is going
to be right up your alley. It certainly helps that it’s very competently
performed.
This theme carries throughout the whole album, as a signature style of
sorts for Ludlow Creek. Taking an older genre and giving it a modern
sheen is exactly what they excel at, and this applies to most of the
songs on this album. ‘Nine Mile Road’ for example is another classic
dreamy rock throwback, but with some emotional gravitas and clean
production as opposed to the more raw, muddy production of the bands of
yesteryear.
‘Hands Of Time,’ the album’s title track, gets a special shout out for
being an album highlight. It’s a soft rock ballad ala Eagles, packed
with emotions and excellent songwriting. Rich vocal layering and slow
build up really allow the dreamy instrumentals to soar and permeate the
song with a wall of sound. Lyrically it’s also impressive, speaking on
the impermanence of things, and how memories get lost with time.
Another high point worth mentioning is the album closer ‘Freedom Blues.’
It takes influence from blues and high energy rock music, combining them
to great effect. Instead of a guitar as the driving melody, it’s instead
played by an upbeat bluesy synth. It’s an inspired choice, and this
builds up until the halfway point, where the song turns into a slow burn
instrumental featuring an absolutely killer guitar solo.
‘Hands Of Time,’ is a shockingly consistent album, and Ludlow Creek have
done a phenomenal job with this one! It successfully takes so many
different styles and makes them work together, while maintaining the
sound of a cohesive album. A fantastic listen, especially if you’re a
big fan of classic rock!