No label does a better job these days of delivering retro, 70's styled heavy rock & proto prog than Sweden's Transubstans Records/Record Heaven, and one of their latest releases comes from the trio known as Three Seasons. The band is comprised of former Sienna Root guitarist/singer Sartez, bassist Olle, and drummer Christian. From the opening notes of the heavy rock 'n' funk of "Too Many Choices", it's pretty clear that Three Seasons has a thing for MKIII era Deep Purple. Listen along to the rest of Life's Road, and with those clear Deep Purple influences you'll also hear a little Cream, Pink Floyd, Mountain, and even Govt Mule.
Sartez sounds like a cross between Glenn Hughes and Jack Bruce, easily heard on the bluesy stomp of "Cold to the Bone", and his distorted riffs & solos on "Down to the Bottom" recall the late, great Paul Kossoff. The epic 11-minute "Each To Their Own" provides the CDs proggy centerpiece, complete with swirling organ, layers of guitars, and powerful vocals. Some sizzling guitar and Hammond exchanges here which remind of vintage Deep Purple and even the Allman Brothers Band. You'll be taken back to Stormbringer on the down & dirty heavy rock/funk of "Feel Alive", a real groovy number with some fantastic wah-wah licks from Sartez, and the other lengthy epic "An Endless Delusion" is pure psychedelia, prog, and folk, complete with 70's styled keyboards, acoustic guitar, and ripping electric lead guitar. The second half of this piece reminded me a bit of early Kansas with its heavy guitar riffs and tasty organ passages. "Since Our First Day" is lumbering heavy rock in the tradition of Mountain or Grand Funk Railroad, and another treat for lovers of wah-wah guitar solos, while "Moving On" again lets the Deep Purple influence come to the forefront. Mellotron, Hammond, and lilting guitar chords support some passionate vocals on the moody title track, which closes out this very enjoyable old school styled record.
To be honest, you either love this sort of 'trip down memory lane' or you don't. Personally, I dig bands that can hone in on these vintage late 60's & early 70's styles and sounds so effectively, and create memorable, enjoyable songs in the process. Two thumbs up for Three Seasons and Life's Road, a CD I can easily recommend to retro lovers of all ages.
Track Listing
01 Too many choices.
02 Cold to the bone.
03 Down to the bottom.
04 Each to their own.
05 Feel alive.
06 An endless delusion.
07 Since our first day.
08 Moving on.
09 Life´s road
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