Little Caesar: Eight

Releasing their first album back in 1990, that their latest outing is titled Eight will tell you that Little Caesar aren't exactly what we'd call prolific. Maybe it's a trait that other bands should take notice of, because across those albums (and an EP) this outfit have allowed very little chaff to spoil their crop of songs. Eight is no different, staying true to the band's authentic rock n' roll roots, while adding just enough spice to make sure that this current album still possesses an individual identity all of its own.

With a starting point that's maybe just a little more refined and polished than we might have expected, the twelve tracks that reacquaint us with Little Caesar after a six year absence from the studio, illustrate a quiet confidence and self belief that immediately assures you that you're in safe hands. "21 Again" rocks, rolls and reveals a slice of AC/DC in the secondary riff and solo, singer Ron Young's lived in tones, which have always been perfect in this setting, possibly even better than ever. Adding a more upbeat outlook, "Mama Tried" sits neatly between rock, country and soul, while still possessing a proudly beating heart, before "Vegas" rounds out a killer opening trio with some sharp lyrics and an irresistible pounding of drums. Often I'm amazed that bands can allow an album's introduction to be all too insipid and apologetic, but here Little Caesar have just about knocked us to the floor with the strength and infectious nature of what's first served up on Eight.

Crucially things never slide from there, "Crushed Velvet" just as smooth and seductive as its name suggests, before the swagger of "Good Times" provides another ginormous slap of gyrating guitars. The danger here is that you can go on to list basically everything on this album and explain why it rocks so convincingly, and why it rolls like a good 'un. Because, put simply, everything does.

Since their previous outing, three guitarists have come and gone but with Mark Tremalgia (ex-Bang Tango) now the fret foil for Loren Molinare, the pair prove a match for anyone. While new bassist Pharoah Barrett slots in seamlessly alongside the duo and drummer Tom Morris; the reshuffles, if anything, finding Little Caesar in richer, ruder health than ever. Just over thirty years after they first came together, most bands are, well, long gone, but those that survived, are usually playing the greatest hits sets. In the case of Little Caesar, while they might take a while to deliver a new album, with Eight, they may just have released the most assured record in their catalogue.

Track Listing
1. 21 Again  
2. Mama Tried  
3. Vegas  
4. Crushed Velvet  
5. Good Times  
6. Time Enough For That  
7. Straight Shooter  
8. Another Fine Mess  
9. Morning  
10. That's Alright

Added: March 10th 2018
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Little Caesar on Facebook
Hits: 1729
Language: english

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