VIBE

Vancouver guitarist David Gogo is oozing confidence on this blues-rock album, beginning with the barroom pleasing "Love in the City" with former Junkhouse lead singer Tom Wilson, who is also a member of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. The piano only adds to its luster. Gogo isn't reinventing anything here, just good time, old-school, feel-good rock & roll accentuated by his great guitar playing. He can rumble as well judging by the slower and moody "Hit Me From Above," sounding a bit like Doyle Bramhall II or some other Austin blues-rock musician. A slower, soulful "300 Pound Shoes" takes the album down in tone but Gogo goes for broke here, pulling the song off with relative ease. "Hey Juanita" doesn't seem that strong and is rather ordinary in a roots rock type of vein like Mike Plume or Steve Earle. The piano driven "I'd Do Anything" shows a softer, bluesy vein that sounds like a long distant cousin of "Ride On" by AC/DC complete with horns. The funky "Silk and Stone" is a sleeper pick in line with the likes of Bonnie Raitt or Delbert McClinton. A party atmosphere enters during the rocking and rollicking "Cry Harder," a tune co-written by former Odds' guitarist Craig Northey. Fans of Colin James would enjoy this album, as Gogo can exude the rock as well as the blues, all encased by a bit of soul throughout as he does on the '60s-styled "Something Ain't Right." But the groove returns on the fun and infectious "She's Alright," recalling the best of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. The finale "Why Don't You Show Me" demonstrates why Gogo is still at the top of his game, be it blues, rock, soul or any combo of the three.