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Verdict (& Rating): Innuendo add variations to their trademark sound (75%)
The first Innuendo album that I reviewed at Mood Swings, "Three", made a really favourable impresssion on me. Their semi-acoustic style fused elements of rock and pop. They then moved in a more acoustic direction for "Raining In Mexico". Album number 5 was a live affair. Now we have album number 6, "Half Empty", in 9 years from this Phoenix, Arizona 3-piece. The band features Andy Watt on vocals & bass, Brett Richey on guitar, keys & vocals and Mike Whitman on drums and vocals.
If "Raining In Mexico" took one side of their character to it's logical conclusion, then 'Half Empty' sees the band do a '180' and this time out toughen up their sound. There is also a hint of blues to a couple of the tracks this time around, opener "Best Thing I Never Had" being one example. Whilst the opener doesn't quite click with me, "Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know" is back on form with a more familiar sound. That hint of blues that I mentioned earlier comes to the fore on "If It's All The Same To You" which, with the rich vocal harmonies, could be described as Westcoast Blues. 'Die In Her Car' sees the band letting loose and rocking out. I haven't quite made up my mind about this one. It reminds me Sammy Hagar. The previous albums proved that Innuendo 'do' ballads with panache and 'Right Here' provides further evidence.
The band's daliance with a variety of styles continues with "Get In Line" which has a county feel ala Blackhawk or Restless Heart. With "30 Second Smile" the band are in full flight again coming across as Damn Yankees meet Nelson and sounding more convincing than on 'Die In Her Car'. 'Beautiful Dream' works it way up from being a slow ballad to power ballad status. The next three tracks, "Blind Spot", "Can't Remember" and "Ammunition" all work well. "Ammunition" in particular which is a prime example of the semi acoustic style I mentioned at the start of this review. That desire to throw in a few stylistic variations pops up again on a cover of the Lennon/McCartney track "Oh Darling". The band then close the album strongly with "I Still Think Of You" which is back to the semi-acoustic style I prefer. Having finished listening to the whole album I can say that once again Innuendo have done an excellent job on the production side.
Judged as a standalone work, this is a good album which will appeal to variety of music fans. However, if you want to check out the band's work I'd still recommend "Three" as a first port of call.
