Myspace: Salute 27

Salute 27 takes their name from the many rock n roll deaths at the age of 27 (Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Robert Johnson). After listening, it's kind of appropriate that their name is a tribute to the past, because their music definitely is.

"Going to the Lake" is pure 70s hard rock from their 2006 demo. The riffs are solid though unoriginal. Nonetheless, it can't be simply dismissed, because Salute 27 does inject fresh energy that makes me expect they're a fine live act. "Acoustic Ride" is a preview of their forthcoming EP. It's country blues feel doesn't feel quite so regurgitated as the previous track, but it's not as instantly likable, either. Still, there's something interesting going on that becomes evident over the course of the song. "Right On," also from the 2006 demo, is back to the 70s hard rock angle, but is once again played with some passion that gives it great energy where it lacks creative spirit. "Take Me Home," from the demo once again, is probably their weakest track. It's bluesy rock that reaches back more to late 80s hard rock than it does to the 70s. As such, the band's enthusiasm isn't as evident here. If they're going to copy a style, they should at least make sure it's worth copying.

Salute 27 has only been together since last summer and they do sound very tight as a band for such a short existence. Their fervor goes a long way to make up for their conventionality and perhaps time with open up new avenues of creativity for them. The music is good and I suspect translates very well in the live show. While I don't expect their EP to shake the foundations of rock music, I do suspect that it may be very enjoyable for anyone who hasn't already had enough of the riffs of the 70s.