The Karma Effect - 'The Karma Effect' TMR Rock Records Release Date 18th March 2022

This solid 8 track release on TMR Rock Records is brought to you by Henry Gottelier (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Robbie Blake (Lead Guitar), Ash Powell (Drums/Percussion), Liam Quinn (Bass Guitar) and Seb Emmins (Keyboards).

There’s a swagger right through the album, kicking off with ‘Steal Your Heart’. This was the first single released from the album and deservedly charted in the top ten of both the Amazon Main Chart (no6) and Rock Chart (no2). It’s a great upbeat opener and sets the tone for what is to follow. Big vocals, keyboards, guitars and percussion. Brings a bit of a Black Crowes feel to you.

‘Doubt She’s Coming Back’ keeps it going and spins away slightly from the opener, bringing in a funky 70’s sound in parts but supported right through with the bands mainline sound and feel.

Third track ‘Mercy’ was the follow up single to ‘Steal Your Heart’ and was the first time I’d heard the band in the mainstream. Gets your feet tapping from the start and for me would be a great song live particularly at a festival. All these guys are great musicians and I keep hearing twists and turns in the melody every time I listen to it. This has the best guitar solo on the album from Robbie. Album highlight for me.

‘Stand’ slows you down, brilliant backing vocals set up a great atmosphere, its a country /outlaw type of song and brings the emotion through in the lyrics and slide guitar. Another album highlight.

In the press notes they describe themselves as a ‘21st century take on a classic rock, roll n soul sound’ , yep definitely get that loud and clear.

Past the midway in the album with track 5 ‘Wrong Again’. This one keeps that upbeat vibe going and brings in an arena like feel along the lines of some of the late 70’s Journey and Styx styles. Strong lyrics again delivered with great vocals from Henry, this will be another to look out for live.

‘The River’ has a solid rhythm guitar opening it up and is the most straight laced rock song on the album but still has the bands swagger and energy in it with some funky tones and melody with a great guitar solo.

Looking at the bands history, they were formed at the ‘start of the COVID pandemic and came from a mixture of school pals and musical acquaintances’, I think to pull this together, given the challenges and deliver this quality of material is no mean feat and they should take a bow.

Nearing the end with ‘Testify’ continues the upbeat atmospheric ‘feel good’ approach the band takes to delivering their material, another album favourite for me.

In album closer ‘Save Me’ the band have given us a soulful way to end the album. Love the backing vocals. The Hammond sound lifts the overall vibe and drops you back into the 70’s in some arena or festival site, this will be a great live song.

We are extremely fortunate that the NWOCR scene in the UK is healthy and delivering many bands with great material. ‘The Karma Effect’ can with this debut easily stand alongside the best of their peers and for me the album favourites ‘Mercy’,’Stand’, ‘Testify’ and ‘ Save Me ‘, shout out QUALITY and TALENT.

When do we get the second album?