The best Hydrogyn album to date.

Hydrogyn as some of you will know started out around 2004 and have released some great albums over the intervening years, ‘Bombshell’, ‘Judgement’ and ‘Deadly Passions’ all had their moments but I think with ‘Private Sessions’ the band have got everything just right and the music and songs just seem to have really clicked together on this album. Also in this issue it has been my pleasure to review three acts that feature a female vocalist, each band playing a very different type of rock music from the others, yet each having that little something extra, which made listening to their respective albums an absolute joy. Hydrogyn are no different and that little something extra for Hydrogyn is lead singer Julie Westlake who really sings her heart out, pouring all her emotions into each of the tracks on ‘PS’ and it is that passion that drives the heart of this album along.

‘Forbidden Kind’ and ‘Scream’ are prime examples of what I’m talking about, rock solid (sorry) guitar riffs are met with smooth smoky vocals that tell of love and heartache and Miss Westlake wrings all the emotion she can from the songs and their lyrics. ‘Don’tcha Walk Away’ starts with Julie’s voice only, then after a few moments it explodes into a balls out rocker full attitude and anger, yet with all these hard hitting songs on the album, probably the best track on ‘PS’ isn’t an all out rocker, instead it is a ballad and one that really tugs at the heartstrings. ‘Roseline’s Song’ tells the story of a woman asking herself or maybe God, what it would be like to have her Father with her for just one more day after he has passed away. She asks what it would be like to have him at her wedding, walking her down the aisle or asking him what he thinks about her and is he proud of how she turned out after all the time they have been apart? Of course she never gets the answer she is seeking. The song is filled beautiful words that I am sure anyone can relate to. Following this great track might have been hard for the band but they do it with the wonderful one, two of ‘Feeling’ and ’Alone’: two mid-tempo rockers that again showcase Julie’s emotional vocal delivery and the way that the rest of the band compliment her and the music.

‘Private Sessions’ is for me the best Hydrogyn album to date, the band pulling out all the stops. The song writing, musicianship and production are tighter than before and they have collectively outdone themselves. If you’re a fan of female fronted rock bands then this new release from Hydrogyn could be just what you’re after; for me it’s a winner.

Ian Johnson