When you have three virtuoso performers in the same band, it’s reasonable to expect them to come up with an instrumentally rich record and that’s exactly what Ritchie Kotzen (ex Mr. Big), bassist Billy Sheehan (ex Mr. Big) and drummer Mike Portnoy (ex Dream Theater) have done. Technically speaking, the undeniable pedigree of the trio shines through, but as the songs weigh in at an average of five minutes apiece, don’t be surprised to find some over-indulgence.
There’s plenty of good solid hard rock on which Kotzen’s strong voice shines, such as opener ‘Oblivion’ and ‘The Bridge’, but there’s also a number of songs which come across as vehicles to show what great players they are; ‘Captain Love’ and ‘Ghost Town’ being particularly guilty.
However, The Winery Dogs are at their most effective when they leave their comfort zone and try something a little different, with the laid-back, understated Spanish guitar vibe of ‘Fire’, the groove of ‘War Machine’ and the experimental ‘Spiral’ all standing out.
In the end, it does pretty much what it says on the tin, talented hard rockers playing quality hard rock and if you don’t mind the showing off, there are some worthwhile surprises.
3.5/5
‘Hot Streak’ by The Winery Dogs is out now on Ear Music.
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Words by Edward Layland (@EdwardLayland)
