Play Loud
Play Loud puts a brighter finish on The Record Company's music. The blues rock foundation remains, but larger hooks, funk rhythms and more polished arrangements give the songs a different shape. The trio sound comfortable exploring beyond their earlier records, even if the cleaner production sometimes makes them less distinctive.
“Never Leave You” sets out the change straight away. Its groove is easy to catch, and the guitar gives the song a firm centre, but the smooth finish takes away some of the roughness that made the band stand out. “How High” makes the same broader appeal work more naturally. Its steady rhythm and distorted guitar support a chorus that is built to connect quickly.
“Gotta Be Movin'” and “Awake” keep the guitar's blues character closer to the surface. The slide playing on “Awake” is particularly effective because the track gives it space without making the whole arrangement feel heavy. These songs help the album retain a link with the trio's earlier sound while fitting its more open approach.
There are quieter choices too. “Live As One” reduces the noise and gives the rhythm and melody more room. Its repeated phrases can feel overworked, but the song's clear shape makes its appeal understandable. “Paradise” takes the bigger ballad route, giving the record another change of scale rather than another version of the same blues groove.
“Get Up And Dance!” mixes fuzzy guitar, piano and funk rhythms with cheerful intent. The combination is enjoyable, though the move towards a dance sound is less assured than the band's strongest rock material. “Midnight Moon” brings things into clearer focus, using a simple guitar pattern and touches of piano before building towards a stronger finish.
Play Loud succeeds often enough to make the change worthwhile. The extra polish brings memorable moments, but it can also smooth over the band's individual character. The best tracks balance a strong melody with a little dirt in the guitar sound. That balance makes this an appealing record, even when its search for wider variety produces mixed results.
