Leaving Spirit – Guide To The Spirit World

Leaving Spirit
Guide To The Spirit World
Out: February 23^rd, 2024
Playing time: 29:34

Southern Rock has its roots in the Southern States of the United States. … Southern rock is also played in the south of Germany

That’s what I wrote in my introductory words to the review of the debut album “Things Change” by the Würzburg band Leaving Spirit. I thought it was very good. After that, I unfortunately lost sight of the band’s work. “Guide To The Spirit World” is already the band’s third album. They have also released an acoustic album and a live album. And the band has also toured. So, a lot has happened at Leaving Spirit. Also, in terms of the line-up. The only remaining members are singer Paula Frecot and guitarist/vocalist Florian Eppel. Paula also designed the album cover. After its release, the album will be presented at 40 shows in Germany and Europe.

“Freak Show” starts without any preamble. The expressive, smoky-sounding voice of singer Paula Frecot can be heard right at the beginning. The Hammond can be heard discreetly in the background. And both guitars provide a good sound. Beautiful Southern rock Made in Germany. In “Golden”, the guitars are a little more in the foreground. The tempo is slowed down a little. Occasionally the slide guitar can be heard. The Hammond wobbles during the chorus. Heavy Hammond sounds introduce the Rock ballad “Holy Mountain Man”. And also characterise the style later on. Paula’s voice sounds less smoky here. The guitars literally sing. And what a great Hammond solo that breaks the ballad mould a little. The also ballad-like “Bad Dream” starts with clean twin guitars. Later, the vocals and the omnipresent but discreet Hammond provide a lot of Southern feeling. An ingenious guitar solo is the icing on the cake. In “Ride A Wild Horse”, the tempo picks up again. And slide guitar licks are thrown in again and again. And of course, not forgetting the Hammond with another short solo. “I Don’t Care” spreads a bit of a saloon atmosphere. Thanks to the electric piano, which sounds a bit like rockabilly. The interplay between piano and distorted electric guitars is congenial. “Ol’ Frina” is then whiskey soaked Rock’n’Blues. Can you call it that? I think so. Thanks to the piano sounds and the slide guitar. Also “Night Of Justice” is very bluesy. Florian Eppel can be heard here as Paula’s vocal partner. “Old Austin” transports us to the Texan capital. Once again you feel transported to a Southern saloon. A wonderful ballad at the end. With another outstanding guitar solo.

In my opinion, you shouldn’t be put off by the cheesy artwork. What the sextet offers on the album is very well-made Southern Rock. Even if they can’t (yet) keep up with genre greats like Lynyrd Skynyrd or the current Allman Betts Band. Fans of handmade Southern Rock should definitely pick up this album. And if possible, attend one of the 40 concerts (28 of which are in Germany). It’s well worth it.

Track list:

• Freak Show
• Golden
• Holy Mountain Man
• Bad Dream
• Ride A Wild Horse
• I Don’t Care
• Ol’ Frina
• Night Of Justice
• Old Austin