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The smashing self-titled debut CD release by
CRADLE TO GRAVE
(PPRCD-1969006)
   
 
ARTIST: PENNY BLACK
TITLE: Penny Black
LABEL: Cordoozle Music
RELEASE #:CM1012001
RELEASE DATE: 2001
TRACKS: 10
 
 
 
 
GENRE: MELODIC HARD ROCK
BAND MEMBERS:
• GINO SCARPELLI - GUITARS
• DAVE REAUME - BASS (+ vocals)
• FREDDY DUVALL - DRUMS / PERCUSSION (+ vocals)
• RUSSELL GRAHAM - VOCALS (+ guitars)     
 
 

Penny Black (self-titled) is former Killer Dwarfs front man, Russell Graham's new solo band. The distinctive vocal style of Graham makes it difficult to distinguish whether you're listening to Penny Black or the Killer Dwarfs of old. Graham has always been one of my favorite vocalists, so it's a style that's certainly desirable to me. Basically, if you liked the sound of the Dwarfs then you'll like the Penny Black sound.

This debut release packs some great melodic feel and has some really catchy mellow grooves that quickly grow on you. The vocals of Graham and the choruses dominate the mix but that's not a drawback. The apparent goal of the album was to create solid songs built around Graham's melodies / choruses and not venture too far away from familiar territory. Penny Black isn't breaking any new ground, there isn't anything too flashy about the music, but the songs are strong and really likeable. The musicians all deliver competently with a sound that at times is somewhat 'bluesy'. Gino Scarpelli does a solid job with the guitar chores, throwing in some nice slides and riffs, though his playing is a bit laid back and not over the top. Dave Reaume and Freddy Duvall do some good work on the bottom end and hold the songs tightly together. As expected Russell Graham gives all the songs a certain flavor that is all his own, whether it be in Penny Black or Killer Dwarfs, just like any great vocalist does.

If you're looking for a great hard rock album and enjoy something a bit on the mellow side then the self-titled Penny Black has all the ingredients to keep you happy.

 
Featured power picks include:
 

· Track 2 - Strange Dreams
· Track 3 - Everything
· Track 4 - Never Tell
· Track 5 - Desperate Hour
· Track 7 - Smoothline
· Track 10 - Wash Away

 
 
Similarities to: Killer Dwarfs, Rough Cutt (Wants You), Hurricane (Slave to the Thrill)
 

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