Another accomplished recording by Pig Irӧn and will surely keep its fan base happy.

Pig Irӧn is a U.K.-based band with a sound which is pure Hard Rock with Bluesy roots. The band consists of Johnny Ogle on vocals and harmonica (sprinkled throughout the album), guitarist Dan Edwards, Hugh Gilmour on bass and Joe Smith on drums. They have just released their fifth album with a rather grandiose title – but the album does do what is says on the tin, that's for sure! All the tracks are uncompromising; full-on could be another term.

Album opener 'Wildcat Birdhead' sets the scene, with the vocals of Ogle reminiscent of Robert Plant in his early Led Zepplin period. 'One Final Kiss' is a standout track; broody with a strong chorus and Edwards' stratospheric guitar solo held together by Gilmour's relentless bass motif.

The title of the album nods it head to a U.S. Blues universe and there are Country and Southern Rock touches throughout; the most obvious track in this pocket is the mid-tempo 'The Spell'. A bit of vocal harmony in the verse creates a "good ol' boys" feel to proceedings. In addition, there is a harp (harmonica that is!) solo towards the end just to confirm the mood.
The Black Crowes' territory is explored on the raucous 'The Devil In The Woodpile' and contains very in-your-face drums courtesy of Smith. The album is consistent to the end with the epics 'Take Your Burden To The Lord' and 'Restitution Blues' forming a classy tailpiece to proceedings.

Throughout the album, the musicianship is of high quality and it's nice to hear the bass turned up and adding to the songs rather than just supporting them. Following on from 2012's 'IV', this is another accomplished recording by Pig Irӧn and will surely keep its fan base happy.

Rob McKenzie