The 1990’s may not have been a fertile breeding ground for bluesy hard rock in North America- but many bands still soldiered on, such as the one currently under the review microscope, Sweden’s Killer Bee. They released 3 albums before management disputes and record business politics caused their break up in 1996. 15 years later after a compilation album “Almost There” was released, the band would come back for a second go around. “Evolutionary Children” is their fifth studio platter, a 13 song album steadfast to the principles of classic hard rock.
Vocalist Brian Frank has this bluesy swagger with potent pipes- at times channeling Ian Astbury for an anthem like “Got Your Number”, and then digs back into the archives with a little bit of Jocke Lundholm/ 220 Volt multi-octave action on the epic-oriented “Children of the Evolution”. Denny DeMarchi as keyboardist and rhythm guitarist adds a lot of depth to these tracks- often setting the tone with the Deep Purple meets Led Zeppelin-like charm to “Let’s Dance”. The guitar play of Denny and lead player Jimmy DeLisi sometimes reminds me of the Whitford/ Perry heydays of Aerosmith- “Gimme a Taste” swinging with the swagger of a “Same Old Song and Dance”. Plus what melodic hard rock record wouldn’t be complete without a power ballad- and “Maybe Baby” will cause a few tears to be shed, Brian pouring his heart out lyrically.
This is a sub-genre that seems to be on the up rise, and I think those who love a Swedish version that seems plugged into the 1973-1976 years with a little bit of American attitude will enjoy Killer Bee. Sometimes execution outweighs originality, and “Evolutionary Children” delivers good times for all.
Matt Coe, HMS
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