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Everything about newly-formed London-based outfit The Karma Effect might scream classic 70s rock, but once ‘Steal Your Heart’ (the opening track to this, the self-titled debut album) kicks in and vocalist/guitarist Henry Gottelier vocalises over the opening few bars, I’ll be damned if there is not a touch of Steve Perry there as clear as day. That same soulful howl that makes the listener suddenly stop whatever it is that they are doing and pay attention. Think classic Perry in Journey’s golden 80s ‘Frontiers’-era, ‘Only The Young’ in particular, and for a fleeting moment, Gottelier does enough to spark flashbacks galore. Kinda magical really. The grooves that come crashing in once his howls fade out bring a little bit of magic dust with them, thanks in part to the thick, atmospheric keys from Seb Emmins, and that aforementioned Steve Perry connection remains throughout this glorious introduction to The Karma Effect.
Formed at the start of the pandemic by a bunch of like-minded friends and musical acquaintances, The Karma Effect brings a certain youthful exuberance (and swagger by the bucketload) to a brand of music that at times can be stuck in a rut. No chance though of anything like that happening with moments such as ‘Doubt She’s Coming Back’ which packs lashings of an Aerosmith-style strut into its four-minute running time. Even a little bit of a Joe Perry sizzle here and there on the guitar fireworks from Robbie Blake (wah-wah or voicebox for the effects?), and the backbone of the band – Ash Powell (drums/percussion) and Liam Quinn (bass) – lock into a groove that would have the tightest rhythm section in rock n’ roll, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer, nodding with approval. The Boston connection continues on ‘Mercy’ which launches with a ‘No More No More’-Esque vibe and once those golden-throated vocals from Gottelier kick in, it is pure manna from heaven…especially when the lush female backing vocals arrive. 15 minutes or so in the company of Gottelier and already his card is marked as one to watch for the future.
‘Stand’ slows the tempo a notch or two with a beautiful, mournful, weeping country twanging guitar in the background, and more of those lush backing vocal harmonies…although it is the simple-but-effective piano sound from Seb Emmins that steals the show. A fantastic lesson in how to allow a song to breathe, and grow, you might just find yourself double-checking the facts that this is indeed the debut album from a band only formed a few years ago and had to put the album together via Zoom, etc. ‘Wrong Again’ is Steve Perry jamming with Aerosmith, ‘The River’ struts like the cockiest peacock of them all and meshes some funky keyboards with another killer Joe Perry-like guitar sound from Robbie Blake, while the hooky ‘Testify’ is tailor-made for an open-topped journey along any famous highway in America; and the guitar solos towards the end…oh my sweet lord…time to break out the air guitar.
Ending with the towering, epic ‘Save Me’ (more of those Steve Perry vibes), ‘The Karma Effect’ is pretty damn special indeed. Well-written songs, expertly crafted, and featuring some incredible playing, this is a debut album to savour. Again, debut album? Really?
Available now, more information, here.
Review – Dave
Photo credits – Georgia Furness.
