Simon RushworthPhotograph – Beg And Prove
Genre: Hard Rock
Photograph are a band with a pedigree that almost warrants the title of ‘supergroup’. Take two brothers – Nate and Adam Arling, both known for their musical prowess on drums and bass respectively – add singer songwriter and guitarist Bryan Wilkinson and you have Photograph.
You are in the presence of members of Los Angeles/Chicago based rock outfit The Last Vegas, Urge Overkill and Black Actress and this is their shared love.
Beg And Prove is their brilliant debut release and is a step away from the darker side of rock that the band’s respective members are renowned for.
More Indie – coupled with a retro feel – influences range from The Who to The Dandy Warhols and from Eagles Of Death Metal to The Rolling Stones. Above all there is the core classic sound of a band that remains rooted in their love of all things rock.
Opening track Save Me grabs the listener with big hooks and a bluesy groove that supports the plea for a saviour to strip away your bad dreams and make right here and now a better place to be.
Standout track Bite The Bone (For Blood) is a grimy, angry rollercoaster ride of pure unadulterated rock n roll: a smouldering mix of heat and aggression, keeping the snarling wolves at bay.
A fragile beauty emerges within the fourth offering – Leave Your Heart With Me is a softer side to Photograph. Not a ballad, this is a love letter with a twist.
Photograph say goodbye with Fare Thee Well. A goodbye to a much-loved family member it’s far from sad – more a mark of respect, of love and of pride.
The album is about quality, not quantity. And it’s a class act from start to finish.
Viki Ridley
RUSHONROCK RATED: 9/10 Picture This