More than two years after the release of last album, 'The Paths Of Glory.Lead But To The Grave' (2007), and a full five years since debut 'The Law And The Road Are One' (2005), Pig Irön are back with a new record – and one that's likely to see them ride even further down the path to rock glory.
It's called 'Blues + Power = Destiny', and for once this is an album title that's also descriptive of the music within. Because the whole basis of the Pig Irön style, sound and sensibility is blues and power. The combination drove the debut to impressive heights – with 'Lord, Kill The Pain' making it onto Classic Rock magazine's list of the Top 100 songs of the first decade in the 21st century. Now, the approach has been broadened out, given fresh horizons and benefited from a revitalised fire in the Iron's collective eye. As vocalist Johnny Ogle says: "It feels like a new beginning for the band".
The album was recorded at Toe Rag studios in London, with the band producing and Ed Turner engineering and mixing. Says Ogle: "The whole idea of four people playing/recording music together - in one room - really appeals to me. Someone once said, 'People used to make records – as in a record of an event, and that's how I think of the Toe Rag recording experience.
"We basically did everything live, with very minimal overdubs. Recording there (live) changes the way you play – you have to be tight and very prepared. It's all recorded onto one-inch tape and then mixed down to half-inch tape – and there ain't much room for Queen-style, 15-layer harmonies and all that; this album has got a couple of vocal overdubs, a couple of guitar overdubs - and that's it".
With the solid, steady rhythm section of Hugh Gilmour (bass) and Joe Smith (drums) locking in on every track and driving the machine, Ogle (who also plays blues harp) and Ash can open up the throttle and test out ideas to push the Pig Irön charabanc ever forward. In some respects, it's as if the debut was a tentative prod, but this time there's a full on, confident stride.
"I wouldn't say our direction has changed, but our circumstances have," admits the singer. "We're just rolling with the punches and seeing what comes out."
The album was released by Sounds Of Caligula on May 17th, 2010 with distribution by Cargo. Not only will this be on CD, but also on a very limited coloured 12" vinyl, with a gatefold sleeve, an A2 poster of the band and a CD of the record. Highly collectible!
"I'm so pleased with this album, that I want people to hear it," exclaims Ogle in conclusion. "I think whether or not we get a support tour, we will do quite a few gigs around the country to support the release – we need to show people what we're made of and playing live is the best way to do that. Hopefully, we'll get on some festivals, too. An American tour would be awesome, once we get this record out there. Beyond that – we need to keep writing and keep honing our skills for the next album!"
The Irön horde is on the move again, and this time they're marching to the beat of destiny. Feel the blues, smell the power – but most of all, revel in the sounds of one of the UK's best bands.
Malcolm Dome
London April 2010
