IN REVIEW: The Sheepdogs - "Changing Colours"

On their fourth album, The Sheepdogs aren't too drastically different a band from the one that burst onto the scene in the early years of the decade; so as to say, they're still indebted to classic rock. They've slowly brought more influences into their sound as they've gone along, yet they remain easy rocking, melodiously minded children of that smoky seventies sound; of course this means you shouldn't expect anything too shockingly different from Changing Colours despite what that title may suggest.

Ewan Currie remains the driving force here, handling writing and co-production duties; as such, his knack for juicy harmonies and throwback flair are once again in full effect. Changing Colours opens with a trio of top-down summer night winners, including singles Nobody and I've Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be, as well as future single hopeful Saturday Night. It's a thrilling start to what turns out to be an overall pleasing record, though admittedly the quality of those first three tracks is a tough act to sustain and there are definitely some less memorable tracks to be heard here. Still, even a mixed bag like this is admirable for the mix it pulls off; Let It Roll is sweet and tender, The Big Nowhere is smoky and nocturnal, I Ain't Cool ironically oozes cool, You've Got to Be a Man stomps and snarls, and the instrumentation toward the end of the record (especially on the traditional Sheepdogs medley) serves as a condensed reminder of the band's versatility.

So, while Changing Colours may not change very many minds, it's surely not a step back; rather, it's another intriguing and fun chapter for the band. A showcase of their talents and abilities, this album pays homage to the rock heroes of yesteryear and provides yet another glimmer of hope that, as long as there are bands like The Sheepdogs, rock and roll will never die.

February 2, 2018 • Warner Music Canada
Highlights Nobody • I've Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be • Saturday Night