SAXON: More Inspirations (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

While Biff Byford has just celebrated his 72nd birthday, Saxon is releasing its third album in as many years. This "More Inspirations" follows "Inspirations" released in 2021 and is once again composed of covers of bands that influenced the Barnsley gang in the beginning. Nevertheless, this is the band's twenty-fifth studio album and they don't seem to want to stop. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to get excited about the idea of a new collection of covers, despite all the affection we may have for the British quintet.

So, what can we learn from the ten pieces offered here? First of all, and as for "Inspirations", it's worth noting the respect Saxon can show towards the originals. Of course, Biff's voice is still recognizable and the sound of the band is immediately identifiable, which allows them to appropriate these tracks without disfiguring them. It's funny how Nigel Glocker manages to reproduce the madness of Keith Moon's playing on the Who's 'Substitute', just as Nibbs Carter tries to pay tribute to Gene Simmons' legendary bass line on Kiss' 'Detroit Rock City'. The only downside, however, is the clumsy version of ZZ Top's 'Chevrolet', on which it's hard to find the original groove.

In the midst of these reverent tributes, two pieces are particularly noteworthy. Firstly, there is 'The Faith Healer' by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. While this Scottish band does not have the same aura as the other legends honoured here, it is interesting to note that this track, while remaining in the category of respectful versions of the originals, is undoubtedly the basis for later Saxon material. The strong hints of it on 'Dallas 1 PM' ('Strong Arm Of The Law' - 1980) prove that the inspiration in the title of this album is not usurped. The version of Uriah Heep's 'Gypsy' is the only one that shows a noticeable change by being ostensibly shortened. It must be said that the absence of the organ alone justifies this pruning, which does not, however, detract from its original power. A nice duel of guitars even brings an additional touch of personalization.

As its format may suggest, "More Inspirations" is essentially a complementary tribute to the bands that influenced Saxon at the dawn of its legendary career. It doesn't bring much to the initial versions but it proves to what extent the Barnsley quintet drew this famous "inspiration" from the music of these monuments that laid the foundations of rock and hard rock in the 70s. This will easily justify its interest for the fans of these last survivors of the NWOBHM, but it will obviously not make it a must-have. - Official website

SAXON

MORE INSPIRATIONS

SILVER LINING MUSIC

HARD ROCK