General Stratocuster And The Marshals: Double Trouble

Shake off any notion that a band called General Stratocuster And The Marshals must be some sort of comic novelty, for while that moniker does indeed raise a smile and, admittedly, grab the attention, what this outfit serve up is a surprisingly convincing helping of Italian Blues come Rock n Roll. The influences are vintage, with the likes of Led Zeppelin, with the riffs toned down, and The Rolling Stones, with less hip-shaking, brought to mind. But then so is, say, Aynsley Lister at his most accessibly bluesy best. It is a fine mix and while one which is a million miles from individual, GS&TM standout by doing what they do with heart, soul and no little skill.

Riffs across the whole album dribble with authenticity, the likes of "What Are You Lookin' For" fusing a fuzzed guitar solo to groovy piano and an up-tempo shuffle that gets the head nodding and foot stomping, while "Double Trouble" struts its stuff and shimmies its hair, full of staccato 70s attitude. You could almost call it funky - and in fact, I will! The 'demo live take' of "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark" brings things down (man), with an atmospheric dark intensity, which is almost Neil Young like during the guitar solo, "Alone" gives a more clear cut Americana vibe and mighty fine it is too.

Oddly, vocalist Jack Meille, or should we say Jack Marshal (yes everyone here, including General Stratocuster himself (Fabio Fabbri) has both a real and silly, sorry stage, name, which adds to the fun) also sings for NWOBHM veterans Tygers Of Pan Tang; something you'd never guess from his considered, controlled and convincing American (with a hint of Italian) drawl. He's excellent from start to finish. That said, so are Richard Ursilio (Lefty) on bass, Federico Pacini (Fred Marshal (really, Fred??)) on piano/keys and Nuto, no second name, (Alex Marshal (really, Alex and Fred??? If you're gonna choose stage names, Alex and Fred Marshal???)) on drums and piano (not at the same time presumably - that would be a must see live). While the General is a serious guitar, dobro and harp talent to be reckoned with, as his twang-alang-a-ding-dong on the slow smooth "Time" confirms, as does the Zep infused "Push To The Limits".

A group of tongue in cheek named Italians playing Rock n Roll, Blues may not sound the most obvious choice of listening, but give Double Trouble a moment of your time and you'll suddenly be convinced that Florence, Italy is where this sort of music must be "at"!

Track Listing
1. Drifter
2. Cute Evil Angel
3. Double Trouble
4. What Are You Lookin' For
5. Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark (demo live take)
6. Alone
7. I Just Got Scared
8. Time
9. Push To The Limit

Added: April 19th 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: General Stratocuster Online
Hits: 2489
Language: english

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