In Review - Heavy Water - Dreams of Yesterday
The title track and album opener, which look back with a nostalgic longing to the ever-changing music scene of the mid-1960s, The song is a good introduction to the album, with a heavy as you like bass line. The song showcases both Biff and Seb Byford's vocals, which complement each other's vocal styles perfectly. Seb's voice is strong with a modern rock aesthetic, which blends seamlessly with Biff's iconic, powerful metal vocal style.
The groove-infused ' Don't Take It For Granted', keeps the momentum going, which is a powerhouse in itself. But if you thought that was as heavy as it gets, then hold on to your hats folks as 'How Much Can You Take?' sees Biff take on the lead vocals, and it comes as no surprise that this is one of the heaviest songs on the album with a guitar riff that goes right to the core of your heavy metal soul. 'Castaway', feels very much like a metal classic, something that is so fundamentally metal that it is sure to be a fan favourite. Biff's bass is very prevalent on this one and is a real joy to hear, keeping the rhythm of the track together and adding real depth to the song.
The Zepplin-esque 'Shadows of Life', will get you moving for sure; the drums are so darn infectious, and Seb's vocals are on point. There is something for everyone on this album; from the melodic and emotionally charged 'Never Love Again', to the more punk rock sound of 'Another Day', which is actually one of my favourite tracks on the album, Heavy Water has got you covered. Finishing off with 'Life to Live ', which sees Callum Witts on keyboard. The track is surprising with its almost contemporary jazz/pop-infused sound, with Seb giving his all on vocals, which reminded me a lot of a young Rod Stewart. What a closing gift.
Hats off to Tom Witts, whose drumming has provided a solid backbone for the album with bold, heavy, and confident tub thumping throughout. 'Dreams of Yesterday' is a solid album that shows that while the genres may evolve over time, the soul of rock and metal is still as strong as it ever was.
Seb Byford – Guitar and Vocals
Biff Byford – Bass and Vocals
Tom Witts – Drums
Callum Witts – Keyboards on “Life To Live”
Dreams of Yesterday Credits:
Produced by Seb Byford and Biff Byford
Recorded by Seb Byford at Big Silver Barn, York
Mixed by Jacky Lehmann (www.audiosound.de) and Jamie Scarratt (www.raygunstudios.co.uk)
Artwork by James Gaden – www.halo-graphic.com
