Free From Gravity fill space with such perfection. It seems every beat, every syllable, and every phrase is calculated and prescribed just the right instrumentation and fill. Not every gap is filled with predictable guitar strums, hums, or piano doodling. If any instrument repeatedly fills space, it will nearly always take on a different sound every time. This band is an infusion of creativity and fresh air in what has become a stale, boring musical landscape. They arrived right on time all the way from Portsmouth, UK. Free From Gravity are needed in the world. They have chops. They have fun, catchy melodic sing-along songs, as well ballads and they have great, clean vocals and harmonies.
Led by founder and front man Vince Barnes, and completed by Philip Estell (Drummer), Urszula Filipowicz (Keyboards/Backing Vocals), Roger Cooper (Lead Guitar) and Andy Stratford (Bass Guitar), the band has finally released its full length album, entitled “Step Into The Sunlight”. Very British, and very rock and roll, Free From Gravity deliver 12 tracks that cover all the angles of rock.
It’s not metal, it’s not alternative, it’s not pop, it’s not punk, it’s just really good, driving down the road with the stereo cranked up, and singing along at the top of your lungs, fun Rock n Roll. Yes, a rare beast these days – a band that doesn’t suck and whose lyrics that anybody can listen to. If you are a fan of straight forward rock, you will love this band. It’s really a testament to the sad state of today’s music scene that these guys haven’t become huge. But maybe they’ve been transported to the wrong era!
This is one of those great albums that seems to get better every time you listen to it. Front, to back, all the songs are quality, with a very distinctive sound and feel. Nothing pretentious or glamorous, but this five piece are anything but an advert band, with one hit and a bunch of samey tracks. They have managed to create a twelve track whirlwind, each song with more energy, personality and melody than the whole Top 40 chart put together.
They kick things off with the jangly sing-along, handclapping track “Behind Those Lines”, before switching to the mid-tempo “Crazy Lady”, and then moving into overdrive with the rocker “Dance With Me”. The first three tracks give you the same kick you got when you first listened to the Travelling Wilburys . That mix of fun, exuberant melodies that uplift and sweep you away to another time.
If there was an album that I could pinpoint as being a true attempt at reviving the styles of classic rock of the 60s and 70s, it could easily be argued that “Step Into The Sunlight” fits the bill, as it is one of the best recreations of those styles in recent years. It has all the great elements of classic British rock music, and a great sense of energy thanks to the instrumentation, the vocal melodies and the exquisitely simple songwriting.
Except I don’t think that Vince and the rest of Free From Gravity deliberately wanted to recreate anything. I think that this is just the music they really do, and always have down. Just listening to these tracks, it is evident from the sheer, natural joy of their performances, that Free From Gravity is the real deal, not some young hipster band trying to cash in on the retro revival. Grab an earful of “Step into the Sunlight” and “Tee Coffee or Something” for the ultimate proof. You can’t just make up this kind of authenticity after pint or two down at your local pub!
OFFICIAL LINKS: WEBSITE – FREE TRACK – FACEBOOK
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