Off at 11
Off at 11 lets J.D. Simo explore the space between blues rock and freer ensemble playing. The guitarist can hold a riff firmly in place and then set off in another direction. His tone is rough and sometimes quite heavy. Recognisable melodies still run through that activity. The record sounds loose without constantly losing its direction.
Boom Boom, Out Go the Lights immediately gains considerable weight. The familiar blues form sounds heavier and more enclosed than a traditional performance might suggest. The title track then alternates fierce, tightly packed parts with more fluid guitar playing. Simo clearly enjoys that difference.
On Sweet Little Angel, guitar develops the familiar melody at length before the voice enters and brings greater focus. Simo keeps the song recognisable while leaving plenty of room to explore.
Simo has more than one option as a singer too. I Got Love If You Want It uses a slightly higher, relaxed delivery above a fluid blues groove. That provides a fine counterweight to the fierce guitar. Temptation brings out a gentler soul side, with spacious guitar tone and expressive singing.
The long closing track Accept develops the freer side further. The band take their time over an extended groove and detours in the playing. This requires more patience than the direct songs. Anyone mainly seeking compact blues rock may not find every extension essential.
The combination remains convincing. Simo retains enough feeling for the song to give his expansive playing a foundation. Off at 11 gains its character from the movement between control and freedom. Powerful guitar attracts attention, but the voice and sense of rhythm complete the record.
