The Answer
Never Too Late

January 2009
Released: 2008, The End Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Bruce Sanchez

Taking cues from classic rock acts such as Free and Led Zeppelin, The Answer benefit from modern production wonders and add a harder edge to the bluesy sound of the rock forefathers. NEVER TOO LATE is a CD EP/DVD combo that formally introduces the Northern Ireland quartet to North America. Hi, The Answer, nice to meet you.



The CD is a hodgepodge of tracks. Two are from their previous album, one of which is only found on a special edition of it. The third track is a sneak preview of their upcoming North American debut. And the final track is a live recording from Japan. Their song writing captures the raw and rustic emotion of blues and injects it with a bit of sophistication. The guitar licks are hot and the vocals are timeless. All in all, the album runs the gamut of what you’d expect to hear on a neo-classic rock album. Think of a more blues-bent Stone Temple Pilots (in guitar tone more than anything else) covering 70s era rock. The Answer does not feature in its ranks anyone like Paul Kossoff or Robert Plant, yet this rocking four-piece does its best to summon some of the best elements of Free and Zep.



The DVD is entertaining for a brief sit through. It spans the range of low-budget, to regular budget music videos. It also includes wonderfully filmed live performances. The interviews are, well, interviews where the band members individually talk about how they met and offer some thoughts behind the writing of certain songs. Nothing imperative, but it’s a nice addition and rounds out the collection.



You’ll want to pick this up if you don’t feel like paying for the import cost of their previous album RISE, or if you’re a diehard. This is a nice hold-over until their official 2009 release, but it isn’t absolutely necessary for a casual listener.