“SANDS OF TIME” -By Joe Black and Ball ‘n’ Chain – Album Review
After I was asked to review “Sands Of Time” by bassist Joe Black, I went to their website at JoeBlack.com and read about his history in Rock, his adventures and pitfalls that brought him to this place of self-discovery in the music-revolution. I have an incredible level of respect for his love of music and his determination to continue his growth and inevitable evolution in the music industry, of which there is ample room for Joe Black/Ball ‘n’ Chain, as this music resurrects the authentic Rock ‘n’ Roll in us all….
With a traditional ’80′s sound, ‘Ball n’ Chain’ brings to it a studded-thoroughfare of unique rock style, revealing unpredictable riffs and snappy lyrics. At first I wanted to compare this music to other greats of the ’80′s Rock Era, but I begin to hear a differentiation that singles them out. ”Sands Of Time” takes you to a place of clear Rock-n-Roll history, with distinct head-bobbing rhythm and catchy melodies, no two songs sound the same. I hear a very full sound with multiple elaborate tracks and symphonic-rock instrumental base. The vocals and harmonies are fantastic, exhibiting beautiful tone and electric-vibrato, with a robust and larger-than-life feel. ”Sands Of Time” is absolutely perfectly mixed, bringing the listener in a little closer with each and every song. I found myself on the edge of my seat and excited for what I might hear next. Moved by the different flavors and textures of each song, going from ripping hard-rock to melodic sweet ballads, a very unique quality in a true Rock band such as Ball ‘n’ Chain. I love how “Sands Of Time” takes me back to a time when music-discovery was at its forefront for me. In “Sands Of Time” various corners of uncharted territory are explored in the basic Rock genre, expanding on what has already been done, making them unique and extremely marketable and Radio-worthy. ”Sands Of Time” has a sound that is sexy and vibrant, with the intense screaming-guitar and lyrical-gestures, especially in “Real Woman”, which is capable of lighting any fire in its sassy exertion of heavy guitar and head-turning vocals… ’Ball ‘n’ Chain’ sings about what’s real and what they know without all the rhyming and fluff of the Pop referendum, and their repertoire is as vast and expansive as their style, and to boot it all ‘Ball ‘n’ Chain’s’ sound LIVE is equally as genuine as their mixed studio-versions. Colorful, imaginative and creative-writing went soulfully into “Sands Of Time.” Expressive bursts of guitar and raw vocalizations, ‘Ball ‘n’ Chain’ and “The Sands Of Time” stays true to their roots and their authentic-rock sound.
Reviewed By Alison Nicole Osmond
I am somewhat old to be a rock fan, but with this album, that is exactly what I have become!!!! I am proud to say Jeff Baker is my son-in-law……this album reflects many hours of hard work, and the entire group deserves to achieve (dare I say) fame & fortune!!!!!! What an outstanding group of talented men who I hope will receive the recognition they deserve.