“Ravages of Time” is a true-to-its-roots blues-rock/folk album from Australian singer/songwriter Alan Newbery. Newbery draws his influence from classic rock and traditional blues artists and gives it a modern edge, with an overall reminiscence to Van Morrison and Neil Young. The arrangements are solid and full, as Newbery professionally incorporates electric guitar solos, finger-picking acoustic guitar, heavy bass lines, slick vocal flavoring, piano, saxophone, and a string section into the album. The lyrics are creative and entertaining as he reflects on many aspects of life, including faith, love, freedom, and staying strong through tough times. “Ravages of Time” is well-produced with a nice and clean overall sound. “So Lucky” has a great melody and memorable lyrics about being grateful for life, as Newbery matches the acoustic guitar note for note with his vocal performance. “Twice As Nice” is a straight up blues track about the pleasures of life with a great punch line of a chorus. Overall, “Ravages of Time” is an extraordinary album with a great bluesy vocal performance and excellent, full arrangements. Fans of roots blues and folk rock should definitely give Alan Newbery a try.
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