| Musical Style: Hard Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2017 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 80% |
| Running Time: 45:55 |
It’s no secret that I am a fan of blues based hard rock in all its forms. Perhaps my favorite act within the genre is Chicago, Illinois based Resurrection Band, whose three decade career saw the release of 12 studio albums and 2 live albums to feature the duel lead vocal approach of front man Glenn Kaiser and front lady Wendi Kaiser. Many swear upon 1980 release Colours as the groups finest and without doubt consistently heaviest, while others gravitate towards its most bluesy album and swansong effort Lament from 1995. This reviewer, however, takes pleasure in Innocent Blood (1989) from how it draws equally upon both the heavier and bluesy sides to the Rez Band fence.
No discussion in regards to the category, of course, would be complete without mentioning Bride. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Bride represents a partnership between siblings Dale (vocals) and Troy (guitars) Thompson, whom stylistically have been all over the map throughout a 14-studio album (and counting) career. Yet, fans and critics alike attest Bride reached its artistic peak during its blues based hard rock period, which started with 1991 release Kinetic Faith but culminated two years later on follow up effort Snakes In The Playground, a work widely regarded as one of the finest albums to have come out of the Christian hard music scene. Scarecrow Messiah from 1994 has received its share of accolades as well.
Another band to deserve similar note that also combines the best aspects of hard rock and the blues is Caspar, Wyoming based Cleanzed Soul. Having formed in 2008 and independently releasing a three song EP in 2016 and its self-titled debut full length in 2017, Cleanzed Soul walks a fine line between the aforementioned Resurrection Band and Bride or at the very least is certain to appeal to fans of both. On one band, the group combines the at times heavy hitting guitars and shuffling blues bass presence to Rez Band, but on others it can also touch upon a more melodic and commercially viable Aerosmith meets Guns N’ Roses type sound not unlike Bride.
To pull off music of this capacity the right front man is required and such is what we have in Cleanzed Soul founding member and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Craig Hedquist. With a classic tenor to middle register delivery rooted in the clean and raspy, I hesitate to offer direct comparison to the gritty style of Glenn Kaiser or soulful flavorings of Dale Thompson, but he fits the music at hand every bit well. Opening cut “Lord Please” is a good indicator of his abilities, as he stretches and exhibits the full range to his voice on a song underscoring crashing guitar walls, strapping low end and abundant melody despite the combative scene. This one would sound right at home on any mid-period Rez Band album.
“Change” represents one of the albums slower and more plodding pieces (somewhat akin to Rez Band’s “Fiend Or Foul”). The song drifts its first minute acoustically until distant rhythm guitars cut in, with the low key tempo maintained until the end only interrupted when initiative briefly picks up for lead guitarist Wade Kindel's riveting soloing. The group once more demonstrates a pleasing touch as it pertains to melody.
“Money, second slower piece in a row, comes across heavier with an added guitar presence and more forthright tempo. This one features tight guitar harmonies front to back, not to mention a pronounced groove driven rhythm section and touches of the blithe to hint of Scarecrow Messiah era Bride or even The Cult. Hence, how I like to identify with this one as a perfect joining of muscle and finesses.
After a pair of slower cuts, “Ode To Samson” stands out as a much needed upbeat hard rocker. As one might imagine, guitars gets quite the workout in being touched with ample blues driven grit, while added groove based fortitude again anchors the low end. Favorite part occurs at the mid-point as impetus slows to a near standstill as Hedquist reaches down vocally in lending a baritone feel to his delivery.
Cleanzed Soul crosses the line of ballad territory on “Rain”, a contemplative cut laced front to back by acoustic sentiments and distant rhythm guitars rooted in the bluesy. A full on joining of melody and emotion is the gist that brings to mind classic Bride ballad “I Miss The Rain” (off Snakes…). Halfway through the album and the group proves its ability to handle equally material both calmer and heavier.
Returning the album to heightened territory, “Back To The Wall” stands apart as an able-bodied heavy duty rocker with a shuffling blues guitar presence (solidifying the exuberant verses) and underpinning hints of groove to match (for the catchy refrain). Tying everything together is Kindel's unmatched lead guitar work.
“Mustard Seed” makes me think of prime Rez Band with its straightforward hard rocking demeanor: guitars buffet in no-nonsense fashion, while bass literally oozes of shuffling blues throughout. Best moment might be the tight but raw guitar melodies that carry the extended instrumental break.
With “Shine On Me”, Cleanzed Soul might have dipped from the slower song well one too many time. Yes, I enjoy the softer touch the albums more tempered cuts, but I place “Shine On Me” a notch below in lacking that converging of melody and emotion to better hold up under repeat play. Perhaps it could also be due to how the album is already a bit crowded with three other slower cuts or the song is on the shorter side at three and a half minutes, but I tend to pass.
Not so “Second Coming”, which proves the albums fastest and highest energy piece. What we have is a non-stop barnburner in which acerbic riffs and fuming leads spew forth but without sacrificing the all-important element of melody (a Cleanzed Soul staple). Am I out of line to suggest comparison to Rez Band’s “Alienated” (Off Mommy Don’t Love Daddy Anymore)?
Album closes to its heaviest track in “The One”. The song suggests of some interesting variances, starting its first two minutes gradually building to even harmonies until exploding into a full on hard rocker, with face first guitars that approach metal territory and encumbering mid-paced impetus covering the remaining distance. Lower, register, down tuned and grim is the impression left of this reviewers choice track.
Production might lack the big budget polish of a label-based release, but otherwise it sounds fine for one self-financed and independently released by the band. Packaging, on the other hand, deserves improving. Cover art featuring the bands logo beneath a flaming guitar is a bit basic, while a two-sided inner sleeve folds out to reveal lyrics but no band photos or liner notes. I would encourage the group to reach out to Scott Waters at No Life Til Metal in regards to the packaging for any album it might release in the future.
Lyrics, as one might imagine, are reflective of the bands faith. “Lord Please” comes across in the form of a plea:
Lord please hear me this time
Take away my sin Lord and free my mind
I’m so tired of my wretched life
Just wanna be Lord, sanctified
Lord please show me your truth
Show me all those things I need to do
Been lost so long don’t know what to say
I’m tired of the dark I want the light of day
“Money” draws upon 1 Timothy 6:10:
She’s not the root, but love of her is
Her lipstick wretched
She’s not in your heart but in your head
It’s a tale of desire and greed
Of carnality pulling on me
Want the fortune, want the fame
But mostly I just want bank
“Ode To Samson”, obviously, is about the Old Testament figure:
I was born a Nazarene
No razor shall touch me
I am heaven sent
To judge the people till my death
300 foxes tail to tail
Thru the fields flames wail
With jawbone of an ass
Gave 1000 Philistine corpses
“Rain” features some of my albums favorite prose:
Lord now the rain is pouring down
And the storm its still all around
And Lord now the rain is pouring down
And the storm it’s all around
But I’m free
There’s a storm all around me
And God, God I’m free
With the storm inside me
What impresses about Cleanzed Soul is not just how they are hard rock and blues manifest but also the manner in which they stay true to the song in terms of both the heavier and lighter. With the possible exception of “Shine On Me”, each of the albums cuts brings melody in just the right portions to invite repeat listen in that there is none of the heavy handed or overbearing that at times can hold back the bluesy hard rock genre. Credit, at the same time, the work of both lead guitarist Wade Kindel (he would give Troy Thompson or Stu Heiss a run for their money) and front man Craig Hedquist (he fits well within the Glenn Kaiser and Dale Thompson mode of front men). In the end, if interested in a quality at times hard rocking and others blues driven album then look no further than Cleanzed Soul.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Lord Please” (4:14), “Change” (5:27), “Money” (4:15), “Ode To Samson” (4:42), “Rain” (6:24), “Back To The Wall” (4:20), “Mustard Seed” (5:00), “Shine On Me” (3:29), “Second Coming” (2:51), “The One” (5:13)
Musicians
Craig Hedquist - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitars
Wade Kindel – Lead Guitar
Ron Reed - Bass
Bobby Fararri - Bass
Scotty Coogan - Drums
Steve Lamorie - Drums
