Doris Brendel
“Adored” from the “Upside Down World” album
I like artists that you cannot pin down into one specific genre, the ones that take risks and explore, within their discography, with moods and influences, to create their own blend which transcends these influences into something original.
Doris Brendel is definitely in that category, and even within the confine of a single album like this one, you will hear progressive rock, classic rock, blues, ballad, singer songwriter songs, and everything in between.
From the rocking “The Devil Closed the Door on Me”, with its high-octane killer riff and angry rocking vocals, you would think Doris Brendel is the spiritual offspring of AC/DC and Free. Yet, the next “Adored” song is a piano driven epic with a great fretless bass driving a syncopated rhythm that will please more than one prog-rock aficionado. When the odd meter instrumental bridge hits, with its acoustic arpeggios, you cannot help but think of Yes and King Crimson, with a twist that is definitely hers.
Great production, awesome performances and rocking vocals, that’s what you get with this album, and indeed much of Doris Brendel discography that’s much worth discovering.
Verdict: 5/5 beards
Get the album on Doris Brendel’s online shop: http://www.dorisbrendel.com/shop/4586763699