Andy Susemihl – Burning Man

Andy Susemihl
Burning Man
SM Noise Records
June, 12th 2020
30:00

You know him from bands like U.D.O., Sinner, Miracle Mile, or Ape. The singer and guitarist Andy Susemihl. He also collaborated with established musicians such as Richie Kotzen and David Reece. He has also been soloing for many years and has released five albums so far. Most recently “Elevation” (2019). The EP “Burning Man” (six songs plus bonus track) follows in June. The next album is planned for autumn 2020. For the EP he has gathered an illustrious group of musician friends around him. Peter Baltes (Accept) on bass and Andre Labelle (Vinnie Vincent / Kiss) on drums can be heard. That should actually guarantee a lot of quality.

The title song “Burning Man” is a great classic hard rock song. The master shows a great sense for beautiful melodies. It is pleasant to hear that he does not tend to self-expression like many other guitar gods. The solos are a perfect match. You can also watch a video clip of this song on YouTube. I don’t have to mention that the man can sing excellently, right? Afterwards, “Across The Pond” comes across more calmly and rhythmically. The icing on the cake is Andy Susemihl himself, with an ingenious guitar solo. Then with a catchy melody guidance “Remedy” invites you to dance, swaying and singing along. “People Get Ready” is an evergreen. The original song is from 1965. Sung by the R&B trio The Impressions. This song reached number 3 on the Billboard R&B charts and number 14 on the Billboard Pop Charts. Many artists re-recorded the song. One of the most famous versions comes from Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart. Andy Susemihl’s one is based on this, but you can also clearly hear the 1960s spirit of the original. A beautiful rock ballad for dreaming. Then with “Crazy” a quiet soft rock song is followed. Here, too, you can sing along with the chorus from the start. “One More For The Road” sounds ballad-like again. The clean guitar sound is impressive. Andy literally lets his instrument sing. In the press release I am given, “Burning Man” is referred to as “6 song release with a bonus track on the CD”. And the bonus is probably the instrumental “The Beauty And The Mihl”. This is characterized by funky guitar sounds. The Musician once again demonstrate his full diversity. And the pun “Mihl” instead of “Beast” is also funny.

Anyone who believes that Andy Susemihl builds on the sound of earlier years (e.g. U.D.O.) will quickly be taught otherwise. On his solo EP, he presents top-class hard rock and beautiful guitar music. And all this without pushing yourself massively into the foreground. Instead of around tumbling guitars, you can hear seven extremely melodic songs. An appetizer for the next album, that will be released in autumn.

Lineup:

Andy Susemihl – Vocals/Guitars
Peter Baltes – Bass
Andy Kemmer – Bass
Paco Mueller – Bass
Andre Labelle – Drums
Alex Menichini – Drums
Markus Hassold – Drums

Track list:

• Burning Man
• Across The Pond
• Remedy
• People Get Ready
• Crazy
• One More For The Road
• The Beauty And The Mihl