BY Terry Marland, Rock At Night Wales
Review: Voodoo Six’s Simulation Game – Release date October 16, 2020
Four years on from the critically acclaimed Make Way For the King Voodoo Six are back with a stunning selection of full throttle numbers which will cement their position as a force to be reckoned with. Originally scheduled for release in March, but delayed by the COVID situation, the album will now be available from 16th October and is widely tipped to propel the band to the next level.
Formed in 2003, by bassist Tony Newton, Voodoo Six have experienced several line-up changes over the years and the current configuration delivers a powerful collection of contemporary rock songs.
Speaking on the band’s website founding member Newton said “It feels like this is the right time for us. We’re incredibly proud of the new material and can’t wait for people to hear Simulation Game and also to join us for what are going to be some amazing live shows. We are really excited to sign with the new US label Explorer1, we always felt the band would do well in America.”
With three numbers already released in advance of the full album there’s always the concern that the best tracks are already out there and that the rest of the album will fail to meet expectations. This is not the case. This is an album without fillers that surpasses other releases in their back catalogue.
Opening up with the previously released “The Traveller” the band set the scene for the rest of the album. Featuring haunting vibes and a killer riff accompanied by Nick Taylor Stoaks’ powerful vocals it’s a statement of intent of what is to follow . “Gone Forever” , another single follows in similar fashion with a pulsating refrain overlaid with dystopian lyric “Hopelessly walking the dawn with the look of the dead”.
The slower paced “Never Beyond Repair” focuses on the need to stay positive regardless of the severity of the situation. It’s a mood changer that gives way to a piercing guitar segment that re-enforces the sombre vibe . It’s a brief respite before the onslaught of “Brake”. This is a standout track with an air of urgency showcasing sterling guitar work interspersed with mood and pace changes gives it the feel of a six minute rock opera that is destined to become a future live favourite.
The pulsating beat of “Control” resonates throughout the track and is interspersed with a scorching guitar interchange between Matt Pierce and Tom Gentry. The closing track “One of us” is a slow burner that grows on you with every listen and is a fitting conclusion to the album.
Voodoo Six have experienced numerous line up challenges over the years but they continue to produce high quality music that merits extensive air-play. Who knows when they will get to perform live again but when they do these tracks will go down a storm wherever they play.
Simulation Game is released on October 16th.
TRACKLIST
The Traveller (5:34) Gone Forever (4:19) Liar and a Thief (5:09) Inherit My Shadow (5:20) Last To Know (4:21) Lost (4:47)
Never Beyond Repair (4:03) Brake (5:48) Control (5:14)
One Of Us (5:22)
Band Members
Nik Taylor-Stoaks – Vocals
Matt Pearce – Guitar
Tom Gentry – Guitar
Tony Newton – Bass
Joe Lazarus – Drums
VOODOO SIX – SOCIALS. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
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