Mike Tramp goes back to a full band set up for his latest album Nomad, but remains in the style and the tempo of his last couple of studio releases. This is another earthy, laid back collection of poignant songs of life, love and loss, told in a way only Mike Tramp can deliver.
Of course this isn’t for all fans of White Lion, Mike has long since moved on, but those like myself that have followed Mike throughout his career will as usual find a lot to like here.
Yes, it’s sparse and relatively laid back, sprinkled with as much acoustic guitar as there is electric, but it is nice to hear the type of songs Mike writes delivered with a bit more oomph.
The tempo stays relaxed for most of the record, so it’s not one to get fired up from, but rather a reflective lyrically deep set of songs that give an insight into how Mike sees the world at large and his own personal place in it.
Highlights from the consistent record include the classic Tramp opener Give It All You Got; the organ drenched Counting The Hours; the angst filled acoustic driven Bow And Obey; the dark yet musically breezy No More and the last two tracks which are very personal and open – Live To Tell and Moving On.
If you liked the last two Tramp albums, you’ll like this. Others will have to investigate first.
