Melodic Rock Webzine

Melodic Rock Webzine


Oliver/Dawson Saxon - Re://Landed

Oliver/Dawson Saxon - Re://Landed

Tracks:
  1. Power & The Glory
  2. Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy
  3. Strong Arm Of The Law
  4. The Band Plays On
  5. Past The Point
  6. Dallas 1pm
  7. Rockin' Again
  8. 747 (Strangers In The Night)
  9. The Eagle Has Landed
  10. Motorcycle Man
  11. Wheels Of Steel

 

Album Cover:

[Image]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label: Phoenix Music (UK) Ltd
Producer: n/a
Year:
2000

Promotion: Assassination Music Promotions

Total Playing Time: 60:37 m:s

Review date: 19/04/2001

Web site:  www.phoenixmusicuk.com 

 http://www.assassination.co.uk/ 
 

Email: 

Rating: 82 %
Verdict: Surprisingly the band sound just as good without Biff
It was with some trepidation that I approached the review of this album. I had been receiving news about OD Saxon for some time and had dismissed them as yet another twist in the death throws of Saxon.

When you think of the NWOBHM, Saxon are one of the names you think of - along with Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. Whilst Maiden and Leppard went on to gain worldwide acclaim, Saxon never quite broke into the American market, despite developing a commercial edge to their material to try to gain acceptance.

Saxon plodded on for many years with a faithful following. Eventually the band split with Biff carrying on using the Saxon name. Oliver and Dawson went on to form Son Of A Bitch who did release an album, but without much success. For the past year Oliver/Dawson Saxon (erm...what a horrible name) have been touring & playing some major festivals over the Summer of 2000. This album captures the live experience.

The band now consists of Graham Oliver, Steve Dawson, Nigel Durham, Haydn Conway and John "Wardi" Ward. "Wardi" is the man with the tough job of filling the shoes of the mighty Biff Byford.

The big surprise is that he does an excellent job. His voice fits the material well and wisely decides to play it as himself rather than attempting Biff impersonations, which would sound somewhat contrived. The band prove themselves still capable of playing the material in the live situation. The result of this combination is a tight unit that impresses.

As for the songs, well with classics like The Band Played On, 747 Strangers In The Night, Strong Arm Of The Law, Dallas 1pm and Wheels Of Steel on offer you can't find fault.

Mood Swings - Nigel Wilson - All Rights Reserved