Independent
Ever since I reviewed this band’s first album, I have to say that I have been a huge fan and advocate of these guys. They have a rawness about them, gritty, full of energy, attitude, attributes that help them stand out from the crowd. Snap Back has eleven tunes that contain all of the above ingredients.
Joff Watkins leads from the front on vocals, guitar and harmonica, with CJ Williams on guitar and backing vocals, and Sammy Samuels commanding the engine room on drums and percussion. The album opens with I Don’t Know Diddley. As soon as you hear this tune, you, like me, will immediately recognise that this is a blatant tribute to the late, great Bo Diddley.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that in any format, but this is so well produced, it certainly sets the tone for the rest of the songs. Flat Battery Blues has all of the hallmarks of early DR. Feelgood with its machine-gun-like riffs and short, snappy lyrics; these guys have certainly not tried to sound like the aforementioned group; they have created their own style, with a nod and a wink to bygone days.
Snap Back has been a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience; there was no doubt in my mind that it would be anything else. Jimmy Regal And The Royals have firmly established themselves within the Blues/Rock world. I predict that they will continue to do so for many years.
STEPHEN HARRISON
