Music review: The Winery Dogs
Besides having one of the coolest band names in the business, this rock power trio can kick out some serious jams.
The band鈥檚 self-titled debut release is a collaboration between guitarist Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big and Poison), bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) and drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), featuring a hard-hitting rock sound with flashes of Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden and Whitesnake.
鈥淓levate鈥� opens the album with Kotzen鈥檚 soulful vocals, sounding delightfully like a refreshed Chris Cornell, igniting a spirited vibe fueled by Sheehan鈥檚 thundering bass and Portnoy鈥檚 chaotic drumming.
鈥淒esire鈥� shifts the focus from heavy rock to a catchy, blues-flavored groove that is once again powered by Sheehan鈥檚 signature bass playing.
A soaring chorus followed by Kotzen鈥檚 fiery guitar work dominate the bad relationship anthem 鈥淚鈥檓 No Angel,鈥� while 鈥淪ix Feet Deeper鈥� exudes the vintage sounds of classic Deep Purple powered once again by Portnoy鈥檚 monstrous drumming.
Borrowing a page from the success of Mr. Big鈥檚 1991 hit ballad 鈥淭o Be With You,鈥� a few slower arrangements share the limelight as the album also contains powerfully soulful ballads such as 鈥淒amaged,鈥� 鈥淭he Dying鈥� and album closer 鈥淩egret.鈥�
While Kotzen, Sheehan and Portnoy all bring a variety of special talents to the party, collectively the trio鈥檚 contributions are far greater than the sum of its parts. Let鈥檚 hope this weighty union can stay together long enough to continue to grow and explore numerous musical directions.