First,
I am sure you noticed, this dog usually
gets his capital letters in the right
places. However, those young pups from
flow do not like to use capital letters
in their name and C.D. titles, and who
am I to argue? After all, the Beatles
couldn't spell. flow's second album in
their trilogy (seeds, roots, and flowers),
roots comes two years after the first
album and confirms flow as one of Thailand's
leading rock bands, although only Mit
Witchitwatee was born in Thailand; the
rest of the band has made Thailand their
home.
In
all departments of their trade flow has
come on in leaps and bounds. Out the front,
when flow takes to the live stage, is
Rick Montembeault. As well as being the
sole songwriter in the band, he also possesses
one of the most unique and emotive voices
in Rock 'n' Roll. Rick's collection of
songs flow beautifully throughout the
album. Opening with the introductory 'flow
river flow', which builds from a quiet
beginning allowing each member of the
band to slowly integrate themselves into
the song. Straight away it is thrust into
your ears. The regular gigs all over Thailand
have made the band tighter and their confidence
is infectious.
The rhythm section of Peter Fleischhaker
together with Mit Witchitwatee fair punch
each song, Peter playing his bass guitar
in the more modern style, like a lead
instrument, rather than traditionally
as a rhythm instrument to underpin the
song (especially on the rocky 'easier
to be gone'). Mit Witchitwatee's drumming
is also pushed right to the front of the
mix. If his funky drumming was a feature
of seeds, then he excels himself on roots,
cementing his place as Thailand's drummer's
drummer.
On lead guitar and star of the live set
is the man with more nicknames than he
can remember, Roland Fleischhacker, a.k.a.
'The Character', or to most of his friends
'Breez'. Breez's (see, Mott the Dog's
a friend) guitar playing throughout is
exemplary and is the only lead guitarist
that flow could ever have as he manages
to play in all the different styles that
Rick Montembeaults songs demand. You are
never going to get bored listening to
a flow album. Even through this one Breez's
playing leaves you in no doubt that you
are listening to a collection of flow
songs. One of my small gripes about this
set is that Breez is only once allowed
to blow up into a hurricane with his axe
playing (during 'hey old man'). For two
and a half minutes Breez rips through
his strings bringing the song to a roaring
climax. I hope on the final piece of the
trilogy Breez is given a little more rope
to let it all hang out. It certainly would
add so much more excitement to proceedings.
Unfortunately third song in 'non-song'
is exactly as the title suggests, and
perhaps could of been left on the cutting
room floor. It sounds a bit like an outtake
from seventies spoof band Alberto Y Los
Trios Paranois, thereby incurring the
loss of half a star. But this is more
than made up for by what follows in 'the
money song', 'then there's me' and the
amazing 'wooden indian'. They are the
central songs of the set and are by far
the best songs ever to come from the pen
of Rick Montembeault. If you had to pick
one song it would have to be 'wooden indian'
with its Led Zeppelin influences flying
high. Hey, everybody has influences; best
to get them from the top. ‘wooden
indian’ is a tribute to native North
Americans. It is hard to think of a better
crafted song in the world of rock music
and is worth the price of the C.D. on
its own.
To add to the splendor the talents of
'Life After Nine' (whose debut album 'Stomp'
is a must for any lover of good time music)
violinist Steve Cipolline have been used
on the song, giving flow's sound a whole
new dimension. Showing complete unity
with Thailand's musicians, the multi-talented
keyboard player Keith Nolan of 'Cannonball'
has also gainfully been employed. Now
there is an idea, next time flow graces
Pattaya or Chang Mai with a concert, perhaps
they could bring these two with them.
Now that would be something to behold.
'the money song' is not only a very fine
rocker, it's also very funny to boot.
The glee in Rick Montembeault's vocals
as he sings
"Money makes the world go round,
But why?
It can't buy happiness, But it's fun to
try,
And you can't take it with you when you
die,
In the end only cockroaches, Keith Richards,
and money will survive,
Money is evil, And I should know because
I'm poor,
Money is dvil, But I'll need more to be
sure."
Great
stuff, Doubloons indeed. Music to tap
your foot to and put a smile on your face.
Final song 'the wheel keeps turning' brings
the whole set to a rousing conclusion
The album comes in a gatefold digi-pack
with a separate booklet with lots of photos,
all the lyrics and as much information
as you are likely to need on the band,
all designed by long time flow stalwart
Richard Wilson. All in all a very nice
package. I look forward to the final chapter
of the trilogy - flowers. As flow say,
roots - dig in and dig it.
Pawed by Mott The Dog
Remastered by Ella Crew
E-mail: review@mott-the-dog.com
