It is evident from the packaging and press release booklet that came with this album, that Innuendo aren’t playing games. With the CD, came a booklet which included a fairly in depth bio and eight pages of reviews from various other web sites and magazines. And every review is positive, of course they’re not going publicise the bad ones but listening to the album I can’t disagree with most of what I’ve read. It has been a difficult year as a reviewer, because there ain’t much rubbish around. In fact I can’t remember the last album I hated and this isn’t going to be one.

Centred around guitar player, principal songwriter and engineer Brett Richey, “Half Empty” is a collection of well-written, well played songs. Stylistically, the band have bluesy, soulful, AOR leanings. As a three piece completed by vocalist Andy Watts and drummer Mike Whitman they’ve managed to produce a quality album, it’s completely against the current trends and to their collective credit, that’s a brave move. It is too easy to jump on the nearest bandwagon and make music that you don’t believe in just to ensure that you make a quid. 

“Best Thing I Never Had” opens the album and sadly it’s the only track I’m not keen on, nothing wrong with it as a song but it strikes me as a little lazy for an opener. I would have opened with track 4 “Die In Her Car”, a punchier number that grabs the attention with it’s rolling riff and up beat tempo. There’s a good mix of acoustic and electric guitar throughout the album, which gives each song a slightly broader dimension. I’d like to see the band live, to see how they deal with the keyboard sections. To me they are an integral part of the overall sound, making each song very smooth, allowing Ritchey’s guitar room to cut through when needed.  

“If Its All The Same To You” and “Beautiful Dream” are the stand out tracks, for completely different reasons. The former has a hooky chorus and rolling rhythm, the latter is just a great ballad, all the classic elements. The band have also included the Lennon/McCartney penned “Oh Darling”, which fits in well with the rest of the album.  

Overall, “Half Empty” is difficult to fault, a very easy listen and a very high standard of song writing. It is the band’s sixth album and I’d be keen to hear some of their other stuff. There’s talent here and a fine product, however, I fear they may fall victim to music tastes both here in the UK and across the pond. Judging by the utter garbage that’s played on the radio over here, it would be difficult to see how this band could bring their music to the great unwashed. Sad But True.

You can find out more information on Innuendo by checking out the band's website at www.innuendorocks.com.

Let us know your views on 'Soundtrack To Your Escape'

Track List

Best Thing I Ever Had
Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know
If Its All The Same To You
Die In Her Car
Right Here
Get In Line
30 Second Smile
Beautiful Dream
Blind Spot
Can't remember
Ammunition
Oh Darling
I Still Think Of You

Line  Up

Andy Watts - Vocals
Brett Richey - Guitars
Mile Whitman - Drums