Release Date: 11th October 2019
Label: UMC
Formats: CD, DL, LP
A huge slab of feelgood rock and roll from Joe Elliott’s labour of love.
The Down ‘n’ Outz first album, My ReGeneration, came free a few years back with one of the glossy rock magazines. It must have been one of the best giveaways ever. Their empathy with the rock and roll vitality of Ian Hunter and Mott The Hoople and respectful treatment of their catalogue of songs was obvious and the chance for Joe to get back to his roots. He could speak in his own accent without having to affect any of the Transatlantic arena mannerisms that can often accompany the glamour and glitz of the Def Leppard experience. Music for the likes of the Holmfirth Picturedrome, tight, intimate and sweaty rather than a residency in Vegas.
They gang have finally found some time to follow up The Further Adventures Of… and aside from the bonus of The Tubes’ White Punks On Dope, have returned with a set that’s Joe Elliott originals. No trawling of the Hunter songbook this time although to be honest, you might not be able to spot the join.
A slap on the back and good on Joe for being able to channel his inner Hunter and write eleven tracks that are steeped in the spirit of the golden age of rock and roll. After an encounter with a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ stream of the album, we can report that there’s plenty on the table to nod your head to and bring a smile to your face. As guitarist Guy Griffin has commented, it sees Joe almost reliving his youth in a very un-Leppard way and with a lot more piano than you’d expect. Stand up Keith Weir. Yes, they might sneak off in an Elton John or 10cc direction but the focus is on rollickingly belting rockers, kick-started by the breezy Another Man’s War. Social comment? You bet.
The Bowie tribute in Goodnight Mr Jones sees a more heartfelt ballad take shape and for once you know it’s not sentimental guff but a genuine tribute. That aside, we’re back to the future with some serious Seventies grooves in the widescreen strings and harmonies
With the Leppard machine rolling on and on and in and out of arenas around the world, the Down ‘n’ Outz have been a long time in cold storage although the temptation to continue the further adventures seems impossible to resist. Somebody may have once said that there’s no escaping your roots. Yes, it’s only rock and roll and a side project that’s all good fun but to be fair, what more can you ask for?
Watch the video for One Of The Boys from The Further Adventures Of… album:
Down ‘n’ Outz online: Website / Facebook / Twitter
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