Graveyard
Lights Out

Alright, rock is dead. But there are still those who stink and somehow try not to let rock die. Although to be honest, the Graveyard stink a bit less compared to their self-titled debut in 2007. This is because since that album, they evidently signed a more satisfying contract (Nuclear Blast), refined their recording and sound, and "Hisingen Blues" (2011) proves it. In short, the garage rock of their debut, while not completely abandoned, has made way for a more refined "vintage rock" clearly inspired by the seventies.

"Lights Out" is their third release, dated October 26, 2012. An effort that, given the popularity the Graveyard has gained in the "old style rock" scene, almost went under the radar, especially when compared to the anticipation generated by "Hisingen Blues." "LO" reconfirms that this band from Gothenburg has absorbed the canons of rock as it used to be, and even starting from a core that therefore lacks originality, has the strength and simplicity to assert itself. "Lights Out" is a "traditional" CD, free of ornaments and mannerist frills. It's essential hard rock, with its solid roots in the '70s and a touch of modernity. Almost as if to reaffirm and emphasize this aspect, the Swedes deliver an album that barely surpasses half an hour and therefore does not take on the excessive redundancy of the vast majority of modern bands.

The album opens with the political critique of "An Industry Of Murder", a track that encapsulates the quintessence of modern hard rock in less than four minutes. A successful song that showcases songwriting that is not overly elaborate but suitable for the characteristics of the four musicians: the same can be said for "Slow Motion Countdown", an acidic ballad but not too much, where Joakim Nilsson excels behind the microphone.

The peculiarity of Graveyard is not venturing into unknown territories. Rock, blues, psychedelia are the main features, which is why they don't experiment with something beyond their strings. One could say they stick to a "short task," but they do it well and also avoid a mannerist drift that is just around the corner and has often plagued their colleagues, even more famous ones. If the short task bears the names "Seven Seven" and "Goliath", it can be overlooked. Immediacy and simplicity in the era of hyper computerized evolution. Worth mentioning among the well-executed songs is also "The Suits, The Law & The Uniforms", where the echo of the Grand Funk Railroad is strongly felt (even though, to be truthful, their aura lingers throughout the entire CD).

Another quality work from the Swedish combo, now on their third album and at an important level of notoriety. Nothing that can revolutionize or breathe new life into the much-loved hard rock, but quality is recognized where it exists. "Lights Out" is an example of quality rock.

1. "An Industry Of Murder" (4:02)
2. "Slow Motion Countdown" (5:37)
3. "Seven Seven" (2:33)
4. "The Suits, The Law & The Uniforms" (4:51)
5. "Endless Night" (2:47)
6. "Hard Times Lovin" (4:28)
7. "Goliath" (2:49)
8. "Fool In The End" (3:32)
9. "20/20 (Tunnel Vision)" (5:01)