HardRockHideout.com

Aussie rockers Strange Karma released their debut effort Volume 1 on February 15th, 2011.  The side story about Volume 1 is this CD was recorded in 2007.  The band had a few failed contracts which delayed the release of this CD.  Volume 1 finally got its proper release via FNA Records earlier this year.  Kudos to FNA Records, as Brothers Paul and Martin Stage have joined forces to record one hell of a cool record.

The opening rocker “America” reminds me of a heavy Jane’s Addiction tune.  This is a powerful tune to start the album off with.  This song is going to get a ton or plays from this listener.

Martin Strange has such a terrific voice. He makes songs like “Down and Out” such a joy to listen to. This song gets better with every listen.

“Time” is a piano based number that is just an incredible listen. It has been quite a while since I have heard a song composition as strong as this one.  This song is absolutely terrific, and is one of my favorites on Volume 1.

There are parts of the song “Fame” where Martin Strange’s voice reminds me of Kingdom Come’s Lenny Wolf. This song has a lot of tempo changes which makes it one interesting listen.

“Storm” has a very Zeppelin-esque feel to it. When Martin Strange busts out those coarse screams, you can almost hear Robert Plant coming out of your speakers.

The second half of Volume 1 has some more cool surprises including the acoustic guitar flavored “Uneasy”, the hard rockin’ “Mind Games”, and the epic album closer “Indian Sun”.

I have enjoyed Volume 1 from Strange Karma immensely.  Volume 1 was a pleasant surprise for my ears.  With music this good, Strange Karma’s Volume 1 could easily crack my best of 2011 list. I can’t wait to see what is next from this cool band! Don’t miss this!!

You can purchase your own copy of Strange Karma’s Volume 1 at the FNA Records webstore.

For more information on Strange Karma, check out the band’s Reverbnation or Bandcamp page.

Rating: Out of 10

Track Listing:

1. America
2. Down And Out
3. Time
4. Fame
5. Storm
6. Harder Than A Stone
7. Uneasy
8. Young And Free
9. Mind Games
10. Indian Sun

Strange Karma is:

Martin Strange – Lead Vocals, Piano, Guitar;

Paul Strange – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals;

Jason McDonald – DW Drums;

Doe Prijono – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals;

~ by Rob Rockitt on April 18, 2011.

Posted in CD Reviews Q-Z, Entertainment, Hard Rock Music, Hard Rock News, Music
Tags: Martin Stage, Paul Strange, Strange Karma, StrangeKarma, Volume 1