Artist: Federal Black Forty
Title: Hooked Up N’ Loaded
Type: EP
Label: unsigned

Not every bit of music at Chez Spenny is metal; looking at this counter thingy I recently found on iTunes (yep, I’m that technical folks), classic rock by the likes of Cream, Free, or Led Zep score at least as highly as many of my thrash and stoner favourites. As such, it was nice to get hold of this self released CD by Cambridge rockers Federal Black Forty, FB40 for short.

Comprised of five uncomplicated, unpretentious rock tracks, with the eponymous EP opener ‘Hooked Up N’ Loaded’ FB40 nail their rock colours to the mast, laden with classic riffs, and punch the air “whoa-whoas”, the tone is set for the whole CD. Each track is infectious composed and played, special mention being due for the particularly catch ‘Ride’ with its chugging beat and timeless riff. All this is closed off by the rock ballad of ‘You Will Know’, all angst ridden vocals and layered guitars.

This is a CD for the rockers out there, rather then the black dyed metallers. Vocals are clear, the instruments played in a nice dirty style, even the rough edged production contributing to, rather then taking away from FB40’s sound.

http://www.myspace.com/federalblack40rock