For Earth Below - ROBIN TROWER****

Shame The Devil/Its Only Money/Confessin' Midnight/Fine Day/Alethea/A Tale Untold/Gonna Be More Suspicious/For Earth Below

Blues-rock guitarist Robin Trower was not an easy fit with the progressive band Procol Harum, so it was no big surprise when he departed. What was more surprising was his successful solo career with albums such as For Earth Below, particularly in the USA. (US:5 UK:26)

“Sounding much like a virtual continuation of his flagship release, Bridge Of Sighs, it could be argued that this was an all-out attempt to replicate it. The sound is literally the same, and it follows the same systematic and formulaic approach to song writing. Unfortunately, this one is significantly off the pace, lacking the catchy and infectious hooks of its earlier sibling.”

“Robin Trower's guitar is just as sharp, thick, and drenched in reverb awesomeness here as on Bridge Of Sighs. These songs simply cook, and Robin's guitar burns lambently as the noonday Sahara sun.”

“For Earth Below is a nearly excellent record that tries too hard to repeat the winning formula of Bridge Of Sighs. There are enough of funky grooves, gut-wrenching guitar solos and ethereal vibes to satisfy anyone who loved the first two records. What it lacks is any highly memorable standout tracks. For that reason, this album feels like something of a letdown.”

“For Earth Below may not be as good as its predecessor Bridge Of Sighs but it is reflective of an exceptional talent who manages to impress with the guitar without ever coming across as flashy.”

“Criminally underrated, For Earth Below features Trower stretching out a little with some of his best material. He is the king of spacey heavy guitar, that is somehow also light and ethereal. He can play as delicate as a master painter's brush stroke, bringing out all the brilliance, texture and artistry he commands. Colouring your world with his long luxurious notes and filling your muse with dreamy music landscapes. He can also come down with thunderously heavy riffery, shooting momentously funky rhythms straight through you ears and out your feet.”

“Musically Trower continues to perfect his blues rock sensibilities all the way, adding his punchy pseudo-psychy guitar work. Every song on this album is a stone cold rocker and for Trower fans this is pure gold.”