Review Summary: A really balanced album that offers the listener a bit of everything, making for a carefree, fun record.
At this point I am sure the Swedish population is born with a mutant gene that favors the creation of excellent rock and metal music. Focusing on the hard rock/stoner genre, there are so many bands that have released plenty of amazing records, one wouldn't even know where to start listening to them. In the past two decades, Sweden, along with a few other European countries, have slowly taken over the respective genre, gradually dethroning the Americans, even though they have helped develop and popularize it. Of course, as of today there are still various essential acts on the western side of the Atlantic, however, taken upon a closer inspection, the US is constantly losing precious ground.
Kamchatka are yet another example of cool, blues-infested stoner rock, created by a trio which happens to also feature multi-instrumentalist Per Wiberg (widely renowned for his tenure as keyboard player in Opeth and Spiritual Beggars) on bass and background vocals. He returned to his roots and, along with guitarist/singer Thomas Andersson and drummer Tobias Strandvik, has come up with another great record.
The Search Goes On is a fun listen whose overall vibe borrows a lot from classic blues-rock/hard rock acts such as ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin and Cactus, with a lot of dirty grooves and powerful riffing, often topped by juicy solos. Right from the beginning, the band cranks the volume up to 11, throwing some heavy rockers like 'Somedays' and 'Coast To Coast', that also channel Clutch with their tight riffs and wobbly solos. Meanwhile, the lovely highlight, 'Tango Decadence' has a really infectious rhythm and Andersson's melodic vocals are top notch as always.
The ZZ Top influence is most evident in the second half on the boogie shuffle 'Thank You For Your Time' or the steady cruiser 'Cross The Distance' , which boasts a chorus that reminds of 'Cheap Sunglasses'. At the same time, the slow burner 'Dragons', echoes 'A Fool For Your Stockings' off the veteran act's same, 1979 classic LP,
Deguello, only with a rawer edge. Kamchatka aren't shy about wearing their influences on their sleeves, nevertheless, they twist and turn them to create an excellent and enjoyable mix. Plus, being more focused and shorter than their previous affair
Bury Your Roots, this album is easier to digest.
Overall,
The Search Goes On is a really balanced album which offers the listener a bit of everything, thus making it a carefree, fun listen. Frankly, this is what the band aimed at too, keeping it lightweight without loading it with pompous concepts and challenging lyrics. They just want you to blast it on your car stereo while going out or having some friends over on a Saturday night. All rock fans should take their time and give the record a chance.
s
