Berggren Kerslake Band: The Sun Has Gone Hazy

From the two names which make up this band's moniker, one time Ozzy and Uriah Heep member Lee Kerslake may be the better known (he was the draw for me wanting to hear it anyway...), however I'd argue that the clumsily titled The Sun Has Gone Hazy is more a showcase of the talent of singer Stefan Berggren, than of the legendary man behind the kit. Not that Kerslake doesn't shine – as expected, he does – and his songwriting contributions are key here as well. However with Berggren also handling guitar and the majority of the keyboards across this album, there is an undoubted feeling that he's showcasing his talents. Judging on this album there's a fair bit to showcase.

With the singer possibly best known for a stint in the classic Whitesnake off-shoot Company Of Snakes/M3, and Kerslake his time in the Heep, there's no real surprise that Classic Rock is the best description of what you'll find on TSHGH; Mark III Deep Purple, Whitesnake and Bad Company all strong benchmarks. Berggren unsurprisingly uses his Coverdale like delivery to great effect, but there's a smattering of Paul Rogers in there too, as well as a hint of Tom Kiefer, adding an even more bluesy cool to much of what this pair create. "As Time Goes By" swaggers with authority, Hammond swirling, guitars chiming, "Rock 'n' Roll Gangsta" oozes in far more convincing early 'Snake style than its name suggests, while "Walk Tall" starts things off in determined, if decidedly laid back fashion. In fact while much of this album is performed with verve and purpose, laid back is a fitting description of what you'll find, but in a way that emphasises the authentic 70s approach, rather than suggesting anything lacklustre. Something the guest organ and Moog contributions from Joakim Svalberg on a couple of tracks and smooth bass work of Tomas Thorberg reinforce in style.

I do seem to find myself saying this on a regular basis lately but there's little doubt that Berggren Kerslake Band add basically nothing new to an already well plundered pot here. However that they do it very well certainly can't be doubted either. If you're looking for a slice of 70s Classic Rock with slightly less muscle than most bring it these days, then this is an album you'll enjoy from start to finish and ultimately that's the bit that matters most.

Track Listing
1. Walk Tall
2. Super Sonic Dream
3. My My
4. The Sun Has Gone Hazy
5. Free
6. Fools Asleep
7. As Time Goes By
8. Rock´n´Roll Gangsta
9. Back On The Road Again
10. Born Again

Added: February 2nd 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Lee Kerslake Online
Hits: 2512
Language: english

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