LANCE LOPEZ: Trouble Is Good (BLUES): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

After the magnificent "Tell The Truth", coupled with his departure from the gleaming Supersonic Blues Machine, we hadn't heard from Lance Lopez for five years. While the Texan by adoption has had to deal with a few personal problems, he's finally back with "Trouble Is Good", in the words of civil rights leader John Lewis, who encouraged people to have good trouble, the kind that makes things change and move the lines. Adapting this statement to his situation, the singer-guitarist seems determined to confide, as if this new opus were to serve as an outlet after the difficult period he has just been through.

To this end, Lance Lopez has opted for a concentrated format, with only three tracks exceeding four minutes in length, and his anger is clear from 'Easy To Leave', which kicks off the hostilities with a flirtation with hard rock. Powerful and raging, driven by wrenching vocals and wailing guitar, this track lays the foundations for many of the tracks that follow. Apart from the moving ballad 'Uncivil War', which conveys great anguish and attempts to resolve a conflict peacefully, the rest of the tracklist on "Trouble Is Good" has a furious tendency to kick ass. The effectiveness of this collection is flawless, especially when it incorporates an unstoppable groove ('Jam With Me', 'Reborn'). The eponymous track is a perfect example, with its big riff, catchy chorus and gleaming harmonica.

The band's southern rock origins are still evident, and the host regularly reminds us that it's no coincidence that the late Jeff Beck called him "an exciting, intense blues guitarist". Propelled by an ironclad rhythm section, the genius multiplies flamboyant soli ('Take A Swing') and big riffs. But if all this leaves no room for the slightest weakness, we're also moving away from the nuances that made "Tell The Truth" so rich. Fortunately, the aptly-named 'Slow Down' lifts the pace a little to let us catch our breath. And then there's the mystical 'Voyager', which brings the whole thing to a close on over seven minutes. Launched by an oriental-tinged introduction, it then lets its tempestuous riff, obviously inspired 'Kashmir'.

"Trouble Is Good" may be considered as a flawless album, but it could have done with a little more variety. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is unstoppable, and its scent of perspiration, dust and adulterated spirits gives it a muscular charm that easily justifies its presence among the albums that will be squatting on your playlists. - Official website

LANCE LOPEZ

TROUBLE IS GOOD

CLEOPATRA RECORDS

BLUES