Since David Coverdale shut down the Whitesnake machine a few years back, a few bands have popped up recently seemingly ready and able to carry the torch and continue on with the 'Snakes brand of blues-based heavy rock. Perhaps the most capable and justified is The Company of Snakes, mainly due to the fact that no less than three former Whitesnake members, Micky Moody, Bernie Marsden, and Neil Murray, are in the band. Seeing as these guys are carry overs from the first Whitesnake era (mid-70's to early 80's) it almost guarantee's that the music will carry a similar look and feel to classics like Come and Get It, Trouble, and Saints and Sinners.
Stylistically, the above statement is absolutely correct, as the band has turned the clocks back to around 1978 with Burst the Bubble. Lead singer Stefan Berggren is a real prodigy, having a voice that sits somewhere between David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, and Warren Haynes, while not being overly derivative of either three. His voice is a joy to listen to on the melodic "Ride, Ride, Ride/Run, Run, Run" with its catchy chorus and harmonious verses. The track "Sacrificial Feelings" is a churning rocker that features some super charged guitar riffs from the volatile Marsden and Moody, who show they have lost nothing over the years and still can rip out some serious blues based guitar licks. There is even a neat 80's styled heavy ballad titled "What Love Can Do" that has an irresistable hook that would have been a hit back in that era. Drums are played by John Lingwood, and keyboards are covered by a few players, namely Don Airey and Adam Wakeman, until the band gets someone full-time. In fact, the only thing I find fault here is that if the band chooses to revisit the style of classic Whitesnake, the Hammond organ sounds that John Lord contributed needs to be present, then this project will be complete. I'm sure there are plenty of capable keyboard players out threre who can try to fill that role. All the other elements though are intact.
You really can't go wrong here. This CD is a fun and nostalgic listen, from the upbeat boogie of "Little Miss Happiness" to the killer title track, there are plenty of meaty riffs, wicked guitar solos, great melodies, and strong vocals. So, who needs Coverdale anyway?
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