The Arrow Dynamic Sounds of Davie Allan & the Arrows

Thirty-odd years after Davie Allan's "Blues Theme" gave him his only Top 40 hit, the fuzzmeister's still at it, his guitar skills undiminished. This nearly all-original set isn't really much different from those vintage '60s recordings, actually, except for the more modern production feel, particularly in the gunshot kick of the drums (which is not necessarily a great thing). The opening medley, stringing together a redone "Blues Theme" and "The Born Losers Theme," is probably a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for those who love Allan's biker soundtracks and want more of the same. And this disc could use more variety, like much instrumental rock could. But there are some tracks that show Allan capable of things other than ominous fuzz, like the impressive sustain lines of "Encounter," a hint of metallic boogie in "Fast & Loose," spy-rock ("James Bond Theme/Goldfinger"), and the country-blues of "Dakota." Overall, this is much like a modern Link Wray or Dick Dale album: not as good as the original classics, but not too dissimilar from them either (except that Wray and Dale are more imaginative players and composers). It's best when it's most melodically haunting, as on the standout "Peyote."