GMT - Evil Twin

Returning with their second album, expectations are certainly high for the seminal supergroup of Bernie Torme, John McCoy and Robin Guy, more commonly known as GMT, after all, their debut release was such a highlight for many of us in 2007. The first question we want to know is whether they have managed to create another album that blends styles as easily smudging chalk? Does the album have huge licks? A twinkle in the eye?

Oh does it ever!

From the get go you're not gonna be left thinking you've missed out on anything. Punko Rocco kicks the album off in fine style, and just for kicks also features a guest appearance from the legendary Dee Snider of Twisted Sister (who for those that were there would have seen on stage with GMT at the inaugural Hard Rock Hell Festival in 2007), and from there we're off at breakneck speed on a roller coaster ride.

The albums title track is almost instantly memorable with a delectable guitar sound and a chorus you just can't help but sing a long too from, it seems, even before you've heard it for the first time.

And if that's not enough, let's take a quick jump ahead to the almost Jimi Hendrix sounding One Of These Days. While having an undeniable Hendrix sound to it, it sounds just like you'd expect of GMT, which is kinda, well oddly nice.

The thing that I really dig about GMT - and Evil Twin has it in gallons - is the fact that blending styles isn't a choice, it's just the only way these boys seem to know how to do things. Jonny Sittar has a very 60's feel to it for much of the opening couple of minutes, before being kicked into a heavier gear, and then blends slowly back down again.

You know the playing is top notch (that's why these guys are a "supergroup", and yes I hate the term...) but it's the simple way the three link together to form a sound that seems to have no rhyme nor reason... it's a roller coaster ride through the ups and downs, swings and turns of rock n roll.

And everything is held together perfectly for me by the gruff voice of Torme himself.

Evil Twin is just another example of how world class musicians can come together, experiment, and yet still turn out at the end of the day with a superb album that can appeal to people on so many different levels.