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Arc Angels
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Arc Angels Album Review:
stone cold classic at 2005-08-16
When I first bought this album (in Newcastle many years ago), although Charlie Sexton had had some minor chart success in UK, Id never heard of Doyle Brumhall II and knew nothing of the legacy behind these amazing musicians. SRV had been recently lost to the world and we were all lamenting his passing so the news that some of his friends/ bandmembers had gotten together to put an album out in his honour was a must buy. I bought it with no preconceived notions. And what I got was one of the most incredible blues rock bands playing some of the most joyous, majestic rocknroll Id ever heard or heard since. The chemistry and sheer class that drips from the speakers every time I play this album just keeps me coming back for more and Doyles gospel tinged vocals and incredible guitar playing is unique and gifted. Regardless of the tragic circumstances that brought them together for this album, this is a truly great band that stands up along side the legends in its own right. Its a great shame that theyve not made more records since (although Charlie and Doyle have made some brilliant solo albums) but then I guess, thats what makes this album all the more special. If you believe its all about the songs, buy this album. Every single track is audio liquid gold...from rootsy (Living In A Dream) to funky (Good Time) to summer drivin (Sent By Angels). This album has it all in melodic abundance....and See What Tomorrow Brings has to be the most impassioned, tear filled farewell to a lost friend (SRV) ever played or sung....a stone cold classic.
Arc Angels Album Review:
Great Band, Mediocre CD at 2006-01-05
The Arc Angels are back together and playing live again. As a live act, they sound like the super group that record company hype asserted they were. But this recording is a case of under-achievement. The production is restrained, and too cautious (recorded before the bands material was fully developed in front of live audiences). Consequently, it has a manufactured quality that makes a lot of late-1980s/early 1990s rock sound stale today. The lifeless, stale quality of so much rock music from that era led to rocks decline and the rise of Rap and Techno. This is definitely a case of paint by number production. Techncially, every element is done right. But while the notes are all present, and the songwriting is good, the music is bland and this CD falls flat. Litte Steven might have strong production talent, but he was definitely a poor choice for this band.Its probably time for the band to either release a live album of this material, or record a completely new album. This CD should be kept as a reminder that people who produce by the numbers can only deliver generic sounding commodity-music products. Too bad the Arc Angels bid for super-stardom was wrecked by a warmup-act quality recording.
Arc Angels Album Review:
Sexton bad; Bramhall mediocre at 2006-02-11
CROSS BETWEEN TEXAS ROCKABILLY AND CORPORATE HARD ROCK.The was supposed to be an Austin Supergroup. Just after Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash, his rhythm section (known as Double Trouble) got together with two up and coming guitarists, Charie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II.The CD is 60 minutes long and the sound quality is good, but not excellent. The editing and mix are not great, either. For instance, near the end of See What Tomorrow Brings, the chorus is cut off in midsentence and a guitar solo is poorly spliced in. Bramhall and Sexton are fairly good guitarists, but his is not a great CD. This is not a supergroup. This is not really a group at all. This is Sexton and Bramhall, each doing their thing, backed by a studio rhythm section that does not add much to the music. The drumming is especially predestrian, as if he just quickly ran through the songs once. The songs on this disc are of two distinct styles, depending on whether they were written by Sexton or Bramhall. Except for the first track, there is no intermingling of the styles and there is no cowriting between the two.The Bramhall songs are Texas rockabilly and blues. It is a sound similar to ZZ Top, but sounds even more like the Fabulous Thunderbirds (Stevie Ray Vaughans brother, Jimmies band).The Bramhall songs are mostly good, but not anything spectacular. The one exception is Carry Me On, which is the worst thing on the CD. Sent By Angel (which a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan) is a very good song and the only minor hit off of this CD. I also enjoy Good Time and Shape Im In.The Sexton songs are more of the corporate hard rock that was popular in the late eighties. It is similar to something by someone like Y and T. It has horrible lyrics, screaming vocals and churning guitars with cheap guitar tricks. To Sextons credit, he does hold the guitar cliches to a minimum. There is some very nice guitar playing throughout the CD. Unfortunately it isnt supported by great compositions or a complete group effort. There is a little bit of copying of styles. The intro of See What Tomorrow Brings copies George Harrisons licks on Oh Darling. There is a little David Gilmour in Too Many Ways to Fall.Bramhall has go on to be a session and backup musician. He been part of Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) backup band for many years. He also has three solo albums.Sexton has out 4 solo albums and is a popular session guitarist.IF YOU REALLY LIKE THIS CD, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT FLEETWOOD MACS BEHIND THE MASK
Arc Angels Album Review:
Great US Music to Denmark at 2006-03-24
I just bought and heard The Arc Angels CD, and WOW thats great music!The name was unknown to me in Denmark, but when I saw the name Doyle Bramhall I was not so suprised anymore. That man can play the guitar.I can recommend this CD to everyone who likes great guitar rock music.Now I must be looking to see, if Arc Angels have made more albums.Music wises from Ole.
Arc Angels Album Review:
A Genuine Piece Of Rock History at 2006-04-28
This is stunning piece of work. Founded following the tragic loss of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Charlie Sexton, Doyle Bramhall II, and SRVs rythym section of Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton collaborate musically to produce an album that received almost instant critical acclaim, and catapulted the foursome into almost legendary status. From the opening chords of Living In A Dream to the thunderous finale of Too Many Ways To Fall, this album is full of enough musical meat to satisfy any rock fan. Even though there wasnt a whole lot of collaboration in the songwriting, the result of that independence is enough variety to make every song a auditory treat. Bramhall and Sexton combined for Living In A Dream and Spanish Moon , while the Bramhall-composed Good Time and Shape Im In are infused with the same Texas R and B styled rock that powers SRV and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Sexton counters with the wistful Sweet Nadine and some blues of his own in Paradise Caf?, and then Sexton comes back with Layton and Shannon for the best track on the album, Too Many Ways To Fall. If that one doesnt get you a speeding ticket, nothing will. Dividing up the album very nicely are two strong, emotional ballads from Bramhall allegedly written as tributes to the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan.If I had to pick out a negative, Id have to say that although Little Steven has a lot of credibility as a southern-style producer, I think that the album is somewhat lacking in production quality. The drum sound is weak (the snare drum is way too thin for my taste) and the bass guitar is rather buried (except on the final track).Rumour has it that there is a second complete album (or at least, enough decent demos to compile a second album) sitting in the can on a shelf somewhere in an Austin studio or record company that is stronger than the first album. Being that the band cratered spectacularly in a cacaphony of egos and drug abuse I would be surprised if it ever saw the light of day, but hey, stranger things have happened.
Arc Angels Album Editorial:
Concept: Charlie Sexton in dream date with a second killer guitarist/vocalist (Doyle Bramhall II) Stevie Ray Vaughans rhythm section and producer Little Steven. Result: A cant-fail combo that swings like vintage Stones/Bad Company. --iJeff Bateman
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