Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah
Album: Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.leegallaghermusic.com

Proclaiming Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah as one of the "Best Up-And-Coming Bay Area Bands of 2014" the press release begins. CBS local television are attributed to the remark. It's akin to describing Led Zeppelin as one of the best bands in London.

Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah are the real deal, combining elements of groups such as the Doors, Buffalo Springfield, the Who they make the whole sound totally new, refreshing and boy do they rock.

From the opening "The Hallelujah Prelude"with its light touch like "Riders on the storm" we begin a roller coaster ride. "Sugartown" is the climb, Jacob Landry's lead guitar bubbles and shimmies away like a psychedelic throw back to the days of Hendrix whilst Lee Gallagher's high pitched vocals soar.

"Touch the water / Bend the mirror / There's Someone on the other side" a slow ballad with swirling organ from Kirby Hammel before the band hit the big dip.

"Glory land" propels you at 100mph, like the best of the Stones. "Shallow Grave" is reminiscent of the Who in their Tommy period, a sublime slice of gospel inspired rock, the back line of Joe Miller on drums and Kevin Grapski on bass solid and driving the music on.

Other highlights are "Night Trip" - "let's grab an ounce of faith / And a holy jar /Don't need to go anywhere / to go far / Let's take a night trip" it's a funky spaced out gas of a song and "That's how the light gets in" will having you singing along unconsciously .

All in all it's an impressive debut, if Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah aren't rated soon as one of the best bands in America I'll eat my hat.

Ian Cripps