Those of you who are regular readers will no doubt have noticed certain members of Uber Rock banging on about LA's Vintage Trouble for a good while now. I was introduced to this sharp suited foursome when fellow scribe and Uber co-founder Johnny H posted a few videos on Facebook, as I always check these links in the hope of something special, I was surprised to find this band actually were just that...something special. The songs sounded great and the live performances were top notch. I was even more surprised to find they were a new band, I just presumed they were an old band, they sounded like they were from the 60's. I then spent the rest of the evening on YouTube watching all I could find.

Now several months later, the band have just completed a tour of the UK, supported Bon Jovi in stadiums, appeared on Later...with Jools Holland and played countless festivals, a total of 80 shows in 100 days! I have seen them 4 times in as many weeks, every gig being a magical experience, like witnessing the beginning of something special, an "I was there" moment, so now can the official release of their debut album 'The Bomb Shelter Sessions' here in the UK live up to their awesome live reputation?

Formed early in 2010 in Los Angeles by singer Ty Taylor and guitarist Nalle Colt, the line up completed by Rick Barrio Dill and Richard Danielson on bass and drums respectively set about playing shows locally, and within a few months recorded their debut album.

'The Bomb Shelter Sessions' was recorded pretty much live in the studio over a 3 day period, and comprises of 10 tracks lasting just over 40 minutes. Ladies and gents, remember when all bands used to do that? This is how albums should be recorded; as it helps retain the live feel of the songs, and is perfect for the band's brand of primal soul.

'Blues Hand Me Down' opens the album with a tribal drum beat before Ty gets things going with his distinctive wail and we're off and running with a Zep-like blues riff courtesy of Nalle. This is the song that got them so much attention on 'Later..' it's pure Rock 'n' Roll for the soul, even down to the nice little Chuck Berry like solo that still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The delivery is spot on, Ty sounding like Living Colour's Cory Glover to these ears; the rhythm section is tight and solid giving the vocals and guitars freedom to do as they will. This perfect album opener was only recently moved from set opener to encore status at UK gigs showing that the guys are constantly evolving as musicians.

'Nancy Lee' is an imagined love note from Ty's father to his mother, it's a pretty, little basic blues shuffle, with again a tasty Chuck Berry riff. 'Gracefully' is a beautiful song, the opening chord progression coupled with Ty's opening notes over it is sublime, it builds nicely and sends the listener on a little 3 and a half minute emotional trip. It sounds like an old classic already, and this is one of the main plus points about Vintage Trouble, most of their songs sound like covers, but they are originals, and that's the sign of a good band to me.

'You Better Believe It' opens with another picked Rock 'n' Roll riff and a harmonica; its mid tempo with a classy sing-a-long chorus and it's a live favourite. Songs such as 'Jezzebella' have a distinct laid back Black Crowes feel to them which can't be a bad thing. The upbeat 'Total Strangers' is also a highlight with its sweet guitar break and backing "Whoo's" it's also a live favourite.

The album closes with the chilled and laid back blues workout 'Run Outta You' which is a perfect tune to showcase the depth of Ty's voice. This song stands out as being the most live sounding, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was done in one take. It's the little stops and starts that give it that little something extra.

The bonus disc that comes with this UK deluxe edition of 'The Bomb Shelter Sessions' adds a further 5 tracks of live and studio material and is worth tracking down especially for recent set opener, the James Brown inspired 'Love With Me' and the gospel tinged 'Worlds Gonna Have To Take A Turn Around'.

So what is it that makes Vintage Trouble stand out from the crowd?  They are doing nothing particularly new and they are hardly breaking new ground musically. Nah it's all about the delivery, the songs are played and sung with such conviction. These are not teenagers in their first band, it's a combination of great musicians with years of experience, who can all sing, a love of primal Rock 'n' Roll and proper Rhythm And Blues songs stripped down to the bare bones with good melodies.

'The Bomb Shelter Sessions' is a fantastic debut album that warms to the soul with repeated listens, but I feel there is better to come from these guys. Album number two is already recorded, and they are writing the third on the road. After hearing newer material 3-4 times live now, and having plenty of catchy choruses embedded in my brain, I feel album number two is where Vintage Trouble are really going to shine. Until that album appears do yourself a favour and become a Troublemaker just like most of us at URHQ have, believe you me you won't regret it. Returning to these shores soon, you would be a fool to miss them live.

http://www.vintagetrouble.com/