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SAXON - INSPIRATIONS Saxon is back with their 23rd studio album Inspirations, a collection of 11 covers that lives up to its name. From beginning to end, Inspirations plays like an all-star list of iconic rock songs that undoubtedly played a major part in the shaping of Saxon’s sound. There’s even a surprise tribute to a band you wouldn’t expect. All the rock heavyweights are brought back to life thanks to Saxon’s faithful renditions of tunes like Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” and AC/DC’s “Problem Child.” The difference is that these versions somehow sound even heavier and boast more attitude than the originals, thanks to being channeled through the unrelenting rock machine that is Saxon. The group’s take on the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” adds a super-charged blast of energy to the 1966 song, giving it a whole new life. You’ll never listen to the original the same way again. The best part about Inspirations is that you can tell singer Bill Byford and the rest of Saxon are having a blast. Their take on Jimi Hendrix’s “Stone Free” captures the swagger of the original perfectly with an extra little thrust for good measure. Perhaps most likely to make you jump out of your seat is the blistering cover of Deep Purple’s “Speed King.” Gone is the organ solo and in its place is an extended face-melting guitar showcase with dive bombs and whammy-bar theatrics galore, making it a souped-up nod to the original’s solo. And just when you thought you had Saxon figured out with the song selection on Inspirations, they drop Toto’s “Hold the Line.” Guitarists Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt make the most of the instantly recognizable riff, sinking their teeth deep into the power chords with that Saxon bite. Inspirations is Saxon’s fun and raucous salute to some of their favorite bands, reminding us that these songs will never die. For more, visit: Saxon747.com.
BERNIE’S GARAGE - POGS IN THE MACHINE Worcester’s Bernie’s Garage is back with a quick, three-song blast of pop-punk adrenaline on Pogs in the Machine, delivering enough hooks to make you want to hear more. The stop-and-go opener of “The Answer for Everything” clocks in at under two minutes and is reminiscent of early 2000s punk, for better for worse, but it does set the table well for the two stronger songs that follow. “Gotta Pick It Up” is more of a catchy rock song than a full-blown pop-punk number, and plays up more forwardly on the bitterness that hides in “The Answer for Everything” with guitarist Greg Nickataz singing, “Gotta pick up when a good friend is calling/Some friends don’t even speak.” Under threat from something or someone, Nickataz’s warnings that “They’re hiding in your bedroom” and “If they get you, they will wreck you” add an ominous tone that helps the song be the standout of the trio. It’s heavier tonally and has more emotional weight to it. “Why Would We Not” lives up to unabashed punk rock bravado on the pulse of a strong calland-response about the band’s never-say-die spirit in the face of typical band struggles. Nickataz lists locations his band has played “to no one,” like Boston and Allston, with an immediate response of “Why would we, why would we not?” It’s a fun way to end the three songs that seem to go by in a rush and it adds a nice balance to the darker “Gotta Pick It Up.” For more, visit: Berniesgarage.bandcamp.com
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