It’s live, it’s unplugged and it’s out-bloody-standing 8.5/10
21 years ago, Gotthard released D Frosted their very first live album, their fourth album and it reached double platinum in Switzerland within three months. Like the original, Defrosted 2 is unplugged and captures the chemistry between the fans and the band but times have changed. With twelve studio albums under their belt and additional compilation and live albums (of which 16 hit #1) the material is vast and varied. The tragic loss of founder member and original singer Steve Lee in 2010 would have felled many groups, but the addition of Nic Maeder has ensured their continued success and is a true testament to his legacy.
Defrosted 2 is an amalgamation of Gotthard greatest hits, two brand new songs and a few covers and the joy of the band in the delivery of all tracks is palpable. For all twenty-four songs which were all recorded live on the ‘Defrosted Tour’ in March 2018.
The album is a masterclass in gig delivery by an embarrassingly great band that you may not be familiar with. This is classic rock at its finest.
The listener/ audience is greeted warmly by Nic Maeder before, Miss Me opens the set from their latest studio album Silver. The newly appointed backing vocalists Maram El Dsoki and Barbara Comi add an exquisite touch of class rarely heard outside of a Pink Floyd live show for this gorgeously groovy track. Out On My Own could have been an as yet unheard collaboration between the Faces and The Eagles featuring The Staple Sisters on backing vocals. Bang continues the theme with a West coast feelgood influence. ‘Give me some rock ‘n roll’ ‘with an Australian accent?’ and Leo Leoni plays Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution by AC/DC giving us the introduction to Sweet Little Rock N´ Roller, it’s playful, engaging and the honky tonk piano gives it irresistible swagger. Beautiful (from latest Silver) lives up to its name and truly is sublime. Feel What I Feel (Bang!) increases the tempo and the audience sings in unison while The G-Strings string quartet centred around Barbara Kubli deliver further poignancy. Hush (as covered on their debut album, (just like Deep Purple and ahem, Kula Shaker) and the only track played from this release) elevates the gig stratospherically in this unique rendition. Remember It’s Me (from 2012 release Firebirth) was the Gotthard comeback single and the one which introduced audiences to Nic Maeder and its poignancy has not abated. Commencing with just vocals and piano, the addition of strings and powerful female backing vocals could easily become a tear jerker for those of a more sensitive nature! The anthemic Stay With Me is staggering while Tequila Symphony (also from Silver) is impeccably delivered as is Mountain Mama from Dial Hard. Why is a pared back masterpiece with a sublimely subtle guitar solo while C’est La Vie and One Life One Soul (from their ballad compilation album) are slower serenades, while Tell Me the Firebirth ballad are superb slower tempo rock classics. Starlight again from Firebirth is delivered magnificently and dynamically before a harmonica solo denotes the commencement of the addictively groovy Southern rock influences of Sister Moon from D Frosted. Right On from Firebirth and Lift U Up (Lipservice) continues the infectiously upbeat vibes
Heaven from Homerun is delivered as an exquisitely powerful duet, Anytime Anywhere (Lipservice) ups the tempo before the concert seems to end, but get ready to blow your socks off with the grand finale a rendition of Smoke On The Water (Deep Purple) that is simply exquisite and given a new twist with Barbara’s delivery. Bye Bye Caroline was the first single release from Defrosted 2 and was inspired by the Status Quo 1973 hit Caroline (which has been the opening live song for Quo for 25 years) and which was created with and features Francis Rossi, here we are delivered a rocking acoustic version laden with sweet harmonies, honky tonk piano and some really sweet guitarwork in a great tribute and yet a great stand alone track. The second studio recording is a new ballad and also the second single from this albums release. What I Wouldn´t Give (Acoustic version) is a gentle yet powerfully delivered rock anthem which leaves the listener with a sense of euphoria.
Live albums have improved dramatically, (other than from the classics), but for a live, acoustic album Gotthard have really and truly set the standard. Magnificent.
TRACKLISTING
CD 1:
- MISS ME
- OUT ON MY OWN
- BANG
- SWEET LITTLE ROCK N´ ROLLER
- BEAUTIFUL
- FEEL WHAT I FEEL
- HUSH
- REMEMBER IT’S ME
- STAY WITH ME
- TEQUILA SYMPHONY
- MOUNTAIN MAMA
CD 2:
- WHY
- C’EST LA VIE
- ONE LIFE ONE SOUL
- TELL ME
- STARLIGHT
- SISTER MOON
- RIGHT ON
- LIFT U UP
- HEAVEN
- ANYTIME ANYWHERE
- SMOKE ON THE WATER
- BYE BYE CAROLINE (Acoustic version)
- WHAT I WOULDN´T GIVE (Acoustic version)
Defrosted 2 by Gotthard is available now and may be purchased here
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