A Company of Snakes - Burst The Bubble
2002 / 67:10 Minutes / 15 Tracks / Studio/ CD
Release Date: January 22,2002 - SPV/Steamhammer
Produced by: Raner Hansel & Bernie Marsden
Website: www.companyofsnakes.com

Reviewed by Duane Leyva on October 9, 2002

Bassist Neil Murray and guitarists Mick Moody and Bernie Marsden were all members of the inaugural lineup of Whitesnake from 1978 to 1982, up through the "Saints & Sinners" album. By mid-decade, all three had departed and moved on to other projects. Moody and Marsden later reconvened as the blues-rock Moody & Marsden Band, and all three reunited in 1999 as part of Company of Snakes. Drummer John Lingwood, and vocalist Stefan Berggren complete the lineup.

When given this particular album to review, I really wanted to be fair and not compare The Company of Snakes to Whitesnake. To my amazement, this album totally rocks. By no means is this a Whitesnake album. The Company of Snakes has really separated themselves from their previous ventures. And where better to hear this particular album but on a five hour rode trip to Northern California and keeping the stereo cranked up to the tunes of The Company of Snakes.

Stephen Berggren on vocals really sounds like Phil Moog of UFO but with more range. Mix this with proficient guitars by both Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden and you have a great sounding group. The Company of Snakes have cultivated or revitalized a dynamic style of music that hasn't been heard for a while, and forgotten for a long time on the airwaves. Due to modern day management in the recording business you have prefabricated Boy Bands and digital drumbeats along with pretty plastic women calling themselves artists and played on Big Brother MTV.

But what had been lost, until now, is well rounded musicians just playing well crafted Rock n Roll and having fun. No shedding of the guitars on a Digital POD processor, no bleaching of skin color and changing your appearance; this is a straight out Rock with no gimmicks.

DISC

This is a CD that is really is meant to be played loud in a bar type atmosphere so you're not getting that Beach Boys Pet Sounds.

PACKAGING

This disc provides excellent artwork on the front cover, and a 12 page booklet of the band lyrics and photos and of course, photos of snakes.

THE FINAL SAY

I've really enjoyed this album. I would encourage others to check them out either live or on KNAC.COM . Also take the time to really listen to the song on this album called "Days To Remember" and you will know exactly what I was talking about.

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